Flying with an ear blockage can ruin your flight. If your ears are blocked, you are likely to suffer from ear barotrauma, or "airplane ear," which can cause discomfort and pain. In a worst-case scenario, your eardrums may rupture. If your ears are blocked due to a cold or an ear, sinus or nose infection, you could consider postponing your journey if it is not essential that you travel. If you experience ear barotraumas, always contact a medical professional if your ear remains uncomfortable a few hours after your flight.
Ear barotrauma is the medical term for problems caused by changes in pressure between your outer and inner ear. As a plane ascends or descends, the air pressure within the cabin changes. If your ears are blocked, the pressure in your inner ear may not alter at the same time, and you are likely to experience discomfort.
Discomfort and pain in one or both ears is perhaps the most obvious symptom of ear barotrauma caused by blocked ears, but it can be accompanied by a degree of hearing loss, dizziness and a feeling of fullness within your ear. In more serious or prolonged cases, you may feel a sense of pressure, as if your head was underwater, more serious hearing loss and even a nosebleed. (See references 2)
The vast majority of cases of ear barotrauma are easily treatable. During the flight, pinch your nostrils closed and gently exhale with your mouth closed, which may help equalize the pressure between your inner and outer ears. Pinch and exhale gently, as blowing too hard could push bacteria into your inner ear or even burst your eardrum. Yawning, chewing gum or sucking on a piece of candy can also help. If you are traveling with children, give them a drink or a piece of candy during both ascent and descent. Keep yourself hydrated during the flight by drinking plenty of water to counteract the effect of the dry airplane air; avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol.
If you often experience blocked ears and the associated ear barotrauma when flying, you could consider taking a decongestant about an hour before your flight to keep the tubes in your inner ear open. You could try both a decongestant administered by mouth or sprayed into your nose. If your ears remain blocked after your flight, your doctor may suggest an antihistamine or steroids. In very rare cases, surgery may be necessary.
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