What should you know about ear pain due to flight?

During take-off and landing, cabin pressure changes quickly. The Eustachian tube normally opens to balance pressure between the middle ear and the back of the nose. Congestion from a Common Cold or Sinusitis can make that opening less effective, causing fullness, popping, muffled hearing or sharp pain. Earwax Buildup can add a blocked sensation but does not create the same pressure mechanism. Flight-related discomfort often eases after landing, although irritation can linger.

Swallow often, yawn, sip water or chew during descent and ascent. Some people find a gentle pressure-equalising manoeuvre helpful, but stop if it causes pain and never force it. Treat nasal congestion only with advice from a pharmacist or clinician, particularly if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, pregnancy or other health conditions. Do not fly with a severe cold, ear infection or major congestion without medical advice. Do not put objects into the ear.

Arrange an assessment if pain or blocked hearing persists after the flight, or if symptoms recur on every journey. Seek prompt care for fluid or blood from the ear, marked hearing loss, severe dizziness, vomiting, fever or intense pain. A clinician can check the eardrum and decide whether treatment is needed; Antibiotic Treatment is not useful for pressure alone.

Ask whether congestion, wax or an ear condition could affect pressure equalisation, whether flying is advisable while you are unwell, and which pharmacy product is safe with your medical history. Explain whether symptoms began on ascent, descent or after landing.