Preparing Your Ears for Air Travel
Before You Fly: Why an Ear Health Check May Be Worth Considering Before Your Holiday
Before a holiday, you might check your passport, organise travel insurance and pack your bags. Your ear health may also be worth considering, particularly if you have previously experienced blocked ears, muffled hearing or discomfort during a flight.
Changes in cabin pressure can affect your ears during take-off and landing. Existing earwax build-up, nasal congestion and difficulties equalising pressure may also contribute to ear symptoms.
An ear examination may be worth considering if you already have ear symptoms or concerns about earwax build-up. However, not everyone needs an ear health check before flying, and ear cleaning cannot prevent every cause of flight-related ear discomfort.
Why Do Ears Feel Blocked During a Flight?
The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat. They help regulate air pressure on either side of the eardrum.
During a flight, cabin pressure changes, particularly as the aircraft descends. The Eustachian tubes need to adjust to these changes. If they do not open easily, you may experience:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
- Popping or clicking sensations, sometimes the sound of water in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Ear discomfort or pain
This pressure-related problem is sometimes called airplane ear. It can be more noticeable when you have a cold, nasal congestion or allergies.
Swallowing, yawning and chewing can help the Eustachian tubes open. Persistent or significant symptoms may require medical assessment.
Read more: Eustachian Tube: What It Does and How It Affects Ear Pressure
Could Earwax Build-Up Affect Your Travel?
Earwax is a normal substance that helps protect the ear canal. Usually, it moves out of the ears naturally without requiring treatment.
However, earwax can sometimes accumulate and cause a blocked sensation, muffled hearing, discomfort or ringing in the ears. These symptoms may be inconvenient when travelling.
If you plan to be swimming on your holiday, water can often flow into the ear and get trapped behind the wax, causing further issues.
It is important to distinguish between earwax build-up and pressure-related symptoms. Earwax sits in the outer ear canal, whereas pressure equalisation involves the middle ear and Eustachian tubes. Having your ears assessed by qualified Ear Nurses can help distinguish between the two and assist in managing your problem.
When Might an Ear Examination Be Worth Considering?
An ear examination may be appropriate if you have:
- Persistent or recurring blocked-ear symptoms
- A history of earwax build-up
- Recently noticed muffled hearing or changes in hearing
- Ear discomfort that has occurred during previous flights
- Concerns about your ears that you would like assessed before departure
An examination is not a routine requirement for every traveller. If you have no symptoms or concerns, you may not need one.
If symptoms are already present, allow time to seek advice before leaving. This can be particularly relevant if you are planning several flights or travelling somewhere with limited access to healthcare.
What Happens During an Ear Health Check?
An ear examination involves looking inside the ear canal to assess the earwax, skin and visible eardrum, where possible.
At The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears, appointments include an ear examination, consultation and assessment of the presenting concern. Where appropriate, earwax or other material may be removed using a suitable technique, which can include dry microsuction or other instruments.
If you are considering an appointment before your holiday, booking ahead allows time for assessment and any recommended follow-up. There is no set timeframe that guarantees an issue will be resolved before flying.
Practical Tips for Your Ears on a Plane
Alongside seeking advice when appropriate, a few simple measures may help you manage pressure changes during air travel.
Swallow, yawn or chew during descent. These actions encourage the Eustachian tubes to open and help equalise pressure.
Drink water regularly. Staying hydrated makes it easier to swallow throughout the flight.
Ask about medicines if needed. If you are considering decongestants or other medication for flight-related symptoms, speak with your GP or pharmacist about whether they are suitable for you. These medicines are not appropriate for everyone.
Seek advice if you have significant symptoms before departure. If you have ear pain, an active ear infection or substantial congestion, a healthcare professional can advise you based on your circumstances.
Avoid inserting objects into your ears. Cotton buds and other objects can push earwax further into the canal or injure delicate skin.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Although a blocked ear is often the result of earwax, it may not always be the case. Ear pain, pressure and hearing changes can also be associated with infection, fluid behind the eardrum or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Seek medical advice before travelling if you have persistent ear pain, discharge, ongoing blocked-ear symptoms or a recent change in hearing.
Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, requires urgent medical assessment. Do not wait until after your holiday to seek care. Severe ear pain, significant dizziness or symptoms following an ear or head injury also warrant prompt assessment.
If you have recently had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum or another diagnosed ear condition, ask your treating healthcare professional whether any precautions apply to your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not everyone needs ear cleaning before a flight. If you have symptoms or concerns about earwax, an examination can help determine whether wax is present and whether removal is appropriate.
Earwax can cause a blocked sensation and muffled hearing. However, pressure changes during flights involve the middle ear and Eustachian tubes, so earwax is not the only possible cause.
No guarantee can be made. Removing earwax may address symptoms associated with wax build-up, but it does not correct every cause of ear pressure or prevent all flight-related discomfort.
Considering an Ear Examination Before Your Holiday?
If you have existing ear symptoms or concerns about earwax build-up, The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears provide ear examinations and consultations, with earwax removal where appropriate.
Clinics are located in Brighton, Epping, Glen Waverley, Melbourne East, Surrey Hills and Truganina.
For appointment information, call 1300 260 750 or visit Crystal Clear Ears.
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.