Airplane ear

Diagnosis of airplane ear, also called ear barotrauma, is based on medical history and an exam of the ear with a lighted tool called an otoscope.

For most people, airplane ear heals with time. When the symptoms don't go away, treatments to even out the pressure might help symptoms of airplane ear.

Medicines

These medicines might help symptoms of airplane ear:

• Decongestant nasal sprays.
• Decongestants taken by mouth.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines you can get without a prescription might ease discomfort. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Or try acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

Self-care therapies

The Valsalva maneuver can help ease pressure. In the Valsalva maneuver, you gently blow the nose while pinching the nostrils. Keep the mouth closed.

Surgery

Surgery to treat airplane ear is rarely needed. Even severe injuries, such as a burst eardrum or torn membranes of the inner ear, usually heal on their own.

But, rarely, you might need an office procedure or surgery to treat airplane ear. In one such procedure, a surgeon makes a cut in the eardrum to even out the air pressure and drain fluid. This is called a myringotomy.

If you have severe pain or symptoms linked to airplane ear that don't get better with self-care, talk to a healthcare professional. You might then be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

What you can do

To get ready for your appointment, make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they began.
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses.
• Questions to ask your healthcare professional.

Questions about airplane ear might include:

• Did my recent airplane travel likely cause my ear symptoms?
• What is the best treatment?
• Am I likely to have lasting problems?
• How can I keep this from happening again?
• Should I change my travel plans?

Be sure to ask all the questions you have about airplane ear.

What to expect from your doctor

Questions might include:

• How bad are your symptoms?
• Do you have allergies?
• Have you had a cold, sinus infection or ear infection recently?
• Have you had airplane ear before?
• In the past, was your airplane ear severe or long-lasting?

What you can do in the meantime

To treat pain, you might take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), or a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).