Spring is a popular shoulder season for cruises and overseas touring. A simple pre-departure checklist can help travellers respond to blocked ears, hearing-aid concerns and recent infections before leaving Melbourne.
Spring is a popular time for longer journeys
September to November often suits travellers who prefer milder weather or want to avoid the busiest family-holiday periods. Cruises and escorted tours may involve flights, swimming, changing climates and several weeks away from usual healthcare providers.
There is no need to remove normal earwax simply because a holiday is approaching. Wax protects and lubricates the canal. The reason to consider an examination is a symptom or concern, such as fullness, muffled hearing, tinnitus, earache, recurrent blockage or a change in hearing-aid performance.
Your pre cruise ear checklist
Two to four weeks before departure, note any change in hearing or ear comfort. Check hearing-aid batteries, chargers, wax filters and storage. Keep a list of regular medicines and relevant health information. Use earplugs, ensure they are clean, fit appropriately and do not cause discomfort.
If you have a history of wax impaction or are currently symptomatic, arrange an examination with enough time for any recommended follow-up. If you have had ear surgery, grommets or a perforated eardrum, mention this when booking and before using any ear products.
Flying swimming and wax involve different parts of the ear
A blocked outer ear canal from wax can affect hearing, but aircraft pressure discomfort usually arises in the middle ear when pressure does not equalise normally. Wax removal should not be presented as a way to prevent airplane ear.
A recent ear infection, cold or sinus problem may affect travel decisions. Healthdirect recommends speaking with a doctor before flying after a recent middle-ear infection. Seek medical advice for active pain, discharge, fever, sudden hearing loss or significant dizziness.
Protect the ear canal around water
Cruises and resort holidays often involve swimming. Avoid putting cotton buds, fingernails or other objects into the canal after swimming. Mechanical cleaning can injure the skin, while retained moisture may contribute to irritation or outer-ear infection.
If your ears become painful or begin discharging during a trip, seek appropriate healthcare. Do not assume that every blocked feeling is caused by wax, and do not place drops into an ear if you have been told that the eardrum is perforated unless a clinician has advised that product.
Plan your appointment before the packing rush
Booking one to three weeks before travel gives more flexibility than waiting until the final day. During an appointment at The Ear Nurses, a registered nurse examines the ear canal and eardrum where visible. If wax is present and removal is appropriate, aural hygiene techniques may be discussed and performed according to the clinical assessment.
Appointments are available in Brighton, Surrey Hills and other Melbourne locations. No referral is required. Travellers with urgent symptoms or concerns outside the clinic’s scope may be directed to a GP, emergency service or relevant medical provider.
Book before you travel
Cruise or spring holiday booked? Schedule an ear examination in Brighton or Surrey Hills before departure.
Appointments can be booked online. Children under five years of age must be booked by telephone. Information in this article is general and does not replace individual medical advice.
Learn more here:
What to expect during an ear appointment