Flying with blocked ears
Sep 20, 2015, 11:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 2
Flying with blocked ears
Hi all,
I am due to fly in 11 days time. I currently have blocked ears, like when I swallow or open my mouth they crackle/crunch not sure how else to explain. I'm worried about flying as I have quite bad tinnitus already. Am I safe to fly? As I've heard people say never fly with blocked ears, but I've bought ear planes and I'm wondering if there's anything else I can do to help?
Are burst ear drums very common on flights?
Thanks.
I am due to fly in 11 days time. I currently have blocked ears, like when I swallow or open my mouth they crackle/crunch not sure how else to explain. I'm worried about flying as I have quite bad tinnitus already. Am I safe to fly? As I've heard people say never fly with blocked ears, but I've bought ear planes and I'm wondering if there's anything else I can do to help?
Are burst ear drums very common on flights?
Thanks.
Sep 20, 2015, 11:48 am
#2
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I'm just gutted as I've been looking forward to this and spent a lot of money, to cancel it would be horrible.
Sep 20, 2015, 12:23 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Platinum, IHG Gold, HHonors Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 186
Flying with blocked ears
Go hit a minute clinic or something similar. I had this three weeks ago and after I flew I was blocked for a day until I got some stuff to clear me up. Not worth it to try and gut it out without anything.
Sep 20, 2015, 3:31 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: BAEC Silver, SPG Gold
Posts: 465
Flying with blocked ears
See a doctor - sounds like fluid in your ear from a cold or infection that they would give antibiotics for to drain and release pressure. It's something I think the local minute clinic or nurse practitioner can write a script for
Sep 20, 2015, 4:36 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: on the path to perdition
Programs: Delta, United
Posts: 4,786
Welcome to FT. As everyone has said and what you plan to do - see your doc. Hopefully and ENT. You will probably be fine.
FWIW Years ago I had the same issue. The doc gave me a decongestant in the office, I waited 30 minutes, after that he stuck a tube up my nose, pinched it, then had me say the letter K over and over while he blew air into my sinuses. My ear cracked and cracked but that relieved the pressure.
FWIW Years ago I had the same issue. The doc gave me a decongestant in the office, I waited 30 minutes, after that he stuck a tube up my nose, pinched it, then had me say the letter K over and over while he blew air into my sinuses. My ear cracked and cracked but that relieved the pressure.
Sep 21, 2015, 5:26 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: East Anglia, England
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,056
I had a similar problem coming back from RAR (I got water stuck in my left ear from too much snorkling). It was annoying, the journey home very long but I wasn't in any pain. The GP sorted it out once I got home.
H
H
Sep 21, 2015, 8:34 am
#14
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA ExPlat, UA Silver, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 715
Do go to your doctor.
I was a little congested and flew last week. I didn't even know my ears were blocked but I was in so much pain in my ears when my two flights started decent, I almost cried. It sucked. I talked to my doctor when I was back and turned out it was indeed congestion and the pain could had been easily prevented.
I was a little congested and flew last week. I didn't even know my ears were blocked but I was in so much pain in my ears when my two flights started decent, I almost cried. It sucked. I talked to my doctor when I was back and turned out it was indeed congestion and the pain could had been easily prevented.