Airplane Ear – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Doctors usually begin by asking about symptoms, such as ear pain, a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or dizziness.

An otoscopic examination allows them to visually inspect the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and middle ear for signs of redness, bulging, fluid buildup, or retraction that indicate pressure-related injury.

In some cases, doctors may perform additional evaluations, such as tympanometry to assess middle ear pressure and function, or a hearing test (audiometry) to check for conductive hearing loss linked to barotrauma.

These tests help determine whether sound conduction is impaired due to fluid or pressure differences in the middle ear.

If symptoms are severe or prolonged, imaging studies like a CT scan of the temporal bone may be ordered to rule out more serious complications, such as inner ear injury or perilymph fistula.

Ways to Treat the Condition

Commonly Used Medications

People may use medicines to relieve symptoms. Decongestant nasal sprays and oral decongestants open airways and make pressure changes easier.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen reduce pain. In some cases, doctors recommend antihistamines or antibiotics if an infection is present.

Methods You Can Try Yourself

Simple actions can make a difference. Yawning, swallowing, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy helps balance pressure in the ear. For small children, offering a pacifier during flights can help.

The Valsalva maneuver—gently blowing the nose while holding the nostrils closed—may also improve comfort. Some people use special ear plugs during air travel.

Surgical Care

Doctors rarely perform surgery for this issue. In rare cases, a doctor might perform a myringotomy, which involves making a small hole in the eardrum to let the pressure out and drain any trapped fluid.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Steps You Can Take Ahead of Time

Preparing for your visit can help you get the most from your time with the healthcare provider. Write down any ear symptoms you experience, such as pain or hearing changes, and note when these issues started.

Record all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use, including the amount you take. Bring a list of questions you want to discuss, such as:

  • Could recent air travel or flying with a cold or allergies be behind these ear issues?
  • What treatments are possible?
  • Is there a long-term risk of ear problems from air travel?
  • Should future trips be delayed due to symptoms?

Tip: Bring your notes and questions to the appointment to make sure important topics are not forgotten.

What the Provider May Ask You

During your visit, expect questions like:

  • How serious or frequent are the symptoms?
  • Have you had a recent cold, allergies, upper respiratory tract infection, or been exposed to cigarette smoke or pollution?
  • Did you have airplane ear, a sinus infection, or flu before?
  • Have you ever seen an otolaryngologist or been diagnosed with a cleft palate?

This information helps the doctor understand possible risk factors and triggers.


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