Ear blockage on a flight can result from unequal middle-ear and cabin pressure. Swallowing, yawning and gentle pressure equalisation may help; do not blow forcefully.
Staying awake during descent may help. Age-appropriate feeding or a dummy can encourage swallowing in infants. Decongestants are unsuitable for some people, especially young children; check instructions and clinical advice. Discuss flying with a severe cold, acute ear disease or recent surgery. Persistent pain, discharge, vertigo or reduced hearing requires assessment.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment