Extreme ear pain when flying: what to know

Cabin pressure changes as an aircraft climbs and descends. The Eustachian tube normally lets the middle-ear pressure adjust, but a blocked nose from a common cold or sinusitis can narrow the passage. A middle-ear infection or heavy earwax may also leave the ear less able to equalise. Pain may feel sharp, deep or bursting, with popping, fullness or muffled hearing. A feeling of pressure alone does not identify the cause, so persistent symptoms need an ear examination.

During ascent and descent, swallow often, sip water or yawn; gentle chewing may encourage the tube to open. Do not forcefully blow against a pinched nose if it causes pain. If you have a cold, ask a pharmacist whether a suitable nasal measure is safe for you, particularly if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, pregnancy or regular medicines. Avoid flying with severe ear infection symptoms until a clinician advises you. Never place objects into the ear. Ear Wax Removal may help only when wax is confirmed as the blockage.

Seek prompt care for pain that remains intense after landing, sudden hearing loss, ringing with dizziness, fluid or blood from the ear, fever, or swelling around the ear. Emergency help is needed for facial weakness, severe imbalance, confusion or a severe headache. A clinician can inspect the eardrum for pressure injury and look for infection or wax.

Ask whether it is safe for you to fly again, whether congestion or infection is present, and whether the eardrum shows pressure damage. Mention the flight stage when pain began, any recent cold, hearing change, discharge and medicines you tried.