I’ve just recovered from an illness but still have a painful blocked ear. I have a flight on Sunday and I’m concerned after reading about the dangers of flying like this. I’m hoping to feel better by then, but if not, I plan to use a saline nasal spray, Sudafed pills, and Earplanes. I might sound paranoid, but do you think that will be sufficient? Is there anything else you’d recommend?
I once busted an eardrum on a flight, and it was extremely painful. Definitely not recommended.
Kai said:
I once busted an eardrum on a flight, and it was extremely painful. Definitely not recommended.
Same here. It was awful!
Don’t fly without consulting a doctor first. A family member of mine lost their hearing permanently due to barotrauma.
I wouldn’t fly unless I was sure I could clear my ears by the time of the flight. A musician friend thought he could handle it on a short flight, and now he’s an ex-musician.
Johnstone said:
I wouldn’t fly unless I was sure I could clear my ears by the time of the flight. A musician friend thought he could handle it on a short flight, and now he’s an ex-musician.
That’s heartbreaking.
Absolutely not! I tried to power through with Sudafed and nasal spray on a short flight and ended up with one of the worst pains of my life. I damaged my eardrum and lost part of my hearing for over two months.
I had a bad experience with severe vertigo while flying with an ear infection.
A decent decongestant for takeoff and landing can help. How long is your flight?
Valen said:
A decent decongestant for takeoff and landing can help. How long is your flight?
It’s only about 1 hour and 20 minutes long, thankfully.
Valen said:
A decent decongestant for takeoff and landing can help. How long is your flight?
It’s only about 1 hour and 20 minutes long, thankfully.
One dose should be sufficient. Also, avoid flying with a dental abscess; they can be incredibly painful due to pressure changes.
Valen said:
A decent decongestant for takeoff and landing can help. How long is your flight?
It’s only about 1 hour and 20 minutes long, thankfully.
Make sure to take Sudafed as soon as possible. Get the real Sudafed from behind the pharmacy counter.
@Stormy
[deleted]
Lilnim said:
@Stormy
[deleted]
The real stuff is invaluable. It’s also risky to scuba dive with plugged ears or sinuses; many divers swear by Sudafed.
Try this video for help: Ear Clearing Techniques
Saline nasal spray, Sudafed, and Earplanes might not help speed up fluid drainage or significantly lower the risk to your eardrums during the flight.
I have inner ear issues and permanent tubes in my ears. Flying with any congestion leads to infections or ruptured eardrums. Consulting a doctor to check for infections would be best.
If suitable for you, consider taking antihistamine pills, using a neti pot, or warming your ear with a hair dryer.
I recommend talking to your doctor.
Ty said:
If you have an ear infection or serious blockage, you might burst your eardrum or be very uncomfortable during the flight. It’s wise to postpone until you’re better.
I’d usually avoid taking the risk, but I need to fly back for work after being sick for two weeks.