PREVENTING EAR DAMAGE WHEN FLYING

Flying with blocked ears can result in severe ear pain, bruising and perforation of the eardrum, ringing in the ears and dizziness. This may be permanent. The problem usually occurs on the descent. Multiple flights increase risks. Have your ears checked if they feel blocked, or if you have experienced problems in the past?

Steps to prevent damage

  • Do not fly with a middle ear infection or blockage.

  • 1 hour before the descent:

    • Take a sudafed tablet and drixine nasal pump spray. These medications will open the internal ventilation passages. These products are available for adult and children from the chemist without a prescription. These medicines should be avoided in patients with high blood pressure or heart disease.

  • Then during descent:

    • suck on a lolly.

    • pop the ear, i.e. squeeze the nostrils closed and blow until the ears ‘pop’.

    • Children can blow up a balloon or use an ‘otovent’.

    • Use panadol for pain.

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