17929 Airplane Ear

Overview

Airplane ear (also called ear barotrauma) is discomfort or pain in the ear caused by a difference in air pressure between the inside of your ear and the air around you. It often happens when an airplane changes altitude, especially during takeoff and landing.

Yes, airplane ear is very common. Many people experience at least a mild version during flights, especially if they have a cold or allergies.

Anyone can get airplane ear, but it is more likely if you have a stuffy nose, a cold, allergies, or a narrow Eustachian tube. Children and older adults may also be more prone to it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Muffled hearing or a sensation of fullness in the ear
• Mild to moderate ear pain or pressure
• Dizziness or a feeling of imbalance
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

Symptoms in children

• Pulling or tugging at the ear
• Fussiness or crying more than usual
• Trouble feeding or sleeping due to discomfort

Symptoms in older adults

• More noticeable hearing changes
• Balance problems or unsteadiness
• Pressure or pain that takes longer to resolve

Causes

Main causes

• Rapid changes in altitude during flying, which alters the pressure around the ear
• A blocked or swollen Eustachian tube, often from a cold, sinus congestion, or allergies
• Inability to equalize pressure due to a narrow or blocked tube

Risk factors

• Flying while you have a cold, flu, or sinus infection
• Allergies or hay fever that cause nasal congestion
• Being very young, because Eustachian tubes are still developing
• Scuba diving, which also involves pressure changes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain, drainage, or sudden hearing loss — call your local emergency number or seek urgent medical care

Book a routine appointment if:

• Symptoms that persist for more than a few days or keep coming back with every flight
• Pain that is not relieved by yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum
• Concern about hearing changes or balance issues

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can usually diagnose airplane ear by asking about your symptoms and looking inside your ear with a small lighted tool called an otoscope.

Tests that may be done

• Otoscopy: examining the eardrum and ear canal
• Tympanometry: a quick test that measures pressure in the middle ear
• Hearing test: if hearing loss is a concern

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is usually quick and painless. Your provider will check for fluid behind the eardrum, redness, or signs of infection. They may also look in your nose and throat.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on helping the Eustachian tube open and equalizing pressure. For most people, simple self-care is enough. If an infection or fluid build-up is present, your healthcare provider may suggest additional treatments.

Self-care at home

• Swallow, yawn, or chew gum during takeoff and landing
• Use a warm, moist towel against the outer ear to soothe discomfort
• Try a salt-water nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist
• Stay awake during takeoff and landing so you can swallow and equalize pressure

Medical treatments

If congestion is contributing, a healthcare provider may recommend a medication to reduce swelling in your nasal passages. Always ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking anything. In some cases, they may prescribe a treatment for an underlying infection or use a procedure to clear fluid from the ear.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. In severe or recurring cases, a tiny tube may be placed in the eardrum to help fluid drain and keep pressure balanced. This is a short procedure done by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Living with this condition

For most people, airplane ear is a temporary nuisance. If you fly often and are prone to ear pain, learning a few pressure-relieving techniques can make air travel more comfortable.

Lifestyle tips

• Use earplugs designed for flying that slow the pressure change
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine during flights
• If you have allergies or a cold, speak with your healthcare provider before flying

Diet and exercise

There are no specific diets or exercises for airplane ear, but staying hydrated and managing allergies with a healthy lifestyle can help keep your airways clear.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Frequent or painful airplane ear can cause anxiety about flying, especially if it interferes with work or family travel. That is understandable. Talking with your healthcare provider about ways to prevent it can help you feel more in control.

Prevention

In many cases, yes. If you do not have a cold or allergy flare-up, you can often prevent airplane ear by using simple pressure-equalizing techniques during flights. If you are congested, it may be best to postpone travel or talk to a healthcare provider before flying.

Complications

If left untreated

• Middle ear infection (otitis media) from trapped fluid
• Ruptured eardrum, which may cause bleeding or discharge
• Long-term hearing loss or persistent ringing in the ear

Long-term outlook

Most cases of airplane ear resolve completely within a day or two. Even when complications happen, they are often treatable. With simple precautions and prompt care, the outlook is very good.

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