Hey all. I'm scheduled to fly late tomorrow night and was wondering if anyone could tell me if flying with a perforated eardrum while the ear also currently has an infection unrelated to the perforation is a good idea or not. The perforation isn't fresh or sensitive as it's almost a year old from when I had my artificial tubes removed. It never did heal up and now they're (the other ear also has a smaller perforation) stuck that way it seems. I realized I had a developing ear infection about a week ago (I know the feeling from having dozens as a kid), went to see my ENT the next day and he cleaned my ears of all of the blockage (mostly ear wax) that was there. I had ear drops (Ciprodex) along with an antibiotic (Levofloxacin) prescribed and have been on them since. I've also been taking Sudafed twice a day.

The infection seems to be mostly cleared up because the majority of my hearing has returned to normal from that lovely blocked/underwater feeling anyone who's ever had an ear infection knows and loves. There's still a slight loss of hearing and I believe my ear is still mildly infected. Not infected enough to still be draining or take much of my hearing though. My question is this - If anyone here has ever gone through this or a similar situation, was it still quite painful? My medical knowledge of ears is minimal at best, so I have no idea if having the perforation means my still slightly blocked Eustachian Tube will cause me pain or not. My eardrum should at least be safe from rupturing more, correct? Can anyone give me an at least somewhat sure answer or am I going to have to leave it to chance and possibly horribly regret that decision? Also, for anyone wondering - I cannot get in to see my ENT and get his opinion on the matter tomorrow. I doubt I'd even be able to get ahold of him on the phone. I didn't ask if this specific situation would be okay during my visit before because I figured it'd be pretty much completely cleared up by now.

I kind of need to make the flight and I won't be dissuaded easily, but if this is an absolutely terrible idea, feel free to let me know and I might change my mind.