Question 1

Can flying often actually cause permanent damage to my ears or sinuses, or is it just temporary discomfort each time?

Accepted Answer

For most people, the discomfort experienced during flights is temporary and settles without leaving permanent damage. Mild barotrauma can cause short term pain, pressure and muffled hearing, but the tissues usually recover once the pressure equalises. However, if you experience severe pain, repeated barotrauma, bleeding from the ear, or noticeable hearing loss, there is a greater risk of lasting changes. Recurrent episodes may also aggravate existing conditions such as chronic sinusitis or Eustachian tube dysfunction. An ENT assessment at Melbourne ENT can help determine whether your pattern of symptoms is likely to be causing ongoing harm and what can be done to protect your ears and sinuses in the future.

Question 2

If I always feel fine on the plane but get blocked ears or sinus pain a day or two after landing, could that still be related to barotrauma from the flight?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can. Not everyone notices symptoms during the flight itself. Some people only become aware of blocked ears, sinus pressure or headaches once they are back at their hotel or home. This can be due to a slower response of the tissues to pressure changes, or to an underlying infection or inflammation that is triggered by the stress of travel. Dry cabin air, disturbed sleep, changes in routine and exposure to new viruses can all contribute. If this pattern repeats after most flights, it is sensible to discuss it with your GP or an ENT specialist, as it may indicate that your ears or sinuses are already vulnerable and need more support around travel.

Question 3

Is it safe for my child to fly if they have glue ear or a history of grommets, or should we avoid flights until their ears are completely normal on hearing tests?

Accepted Answer

Each child is different, and safety depends on their current ear health rather than their past history alone. Many children with glue ear or a history of grommets can fly safely with a few precautions. In some cases, grommets actually make flying more comfortable because they allow air to move directly through the eardrum and reduce pressure build up. If fluid is still present in the middle ear or if there is an active infection, flying may be more uncomfortable and sometimes a short delay is advisable. A paediatric ENT review at Melbourne ENT can clarify how your child’s ears are functioning, how well they are hearing, and whether any extra measures are needed before you travel.

Question 4

I only get severe sinus pain when I fly into certain destinations, not when I fly out of Melbourne. Does the direction of travel or type of aircraft make a difference to sinus barotrauma?

Accepted Answer

The direction of travel itself is not the main issue, but several factors can influence your experience on different legs of a journey. Cabin pressure profiles can vary slightly between airlines and aircraft types, so some flights may involve more rapid pressure changes. Weather conditions and flight paths may also alter ascent and descent patterns. However, changes in your own health are often more important. Fatigue, dehydration, new exposures such as pollen or pollution, and minor infections picked up during travel can make the sinuses more sensitive by the time you are flying home. If you consistently experience sinus pain on particular routes or on the return leg, it suggests that your sinuses are susceptible and may benefit from preventive treatment or further investigation.

Question 5

If equalising techniques like swallowing and chewing never seem to work for me, how can an ENT specialist tell whether the problem is my Eustachian tubes, my sinuses or both?

Accepted Answer

When simple equalisation techniques do not help, it is important to examine both the ears and the nose in detail. At Melbourne ENT, assessment may include a careful look at the eardrums, hearing tests to measure middle ear function, and nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal cavity and sinus openings. This allows the surgeon to see whether the Eustachian tubes appear blocked or poorly ventilated, whether there is fluid behind the eardrums, and whether there are signs of chronic sinusitis or structural narrowing such as polyps or a deviated septum. By combining this information with your description of symptoms, including whether pain feels more like ear discomfort or deep facial pressure, your surgeon can usually identify the main source of the problem and tailor your treatment accordingly.

Question 6

Can long haul flights make existing conditions such as chronic sinusitis or Eustachian tube dysfunction worse over time, even if I manage each individual flight reasonably well?

Accepted Answer

Long haul flights place repeated demands on the nose, sinuses and Eustachian tubes, especially if you travel frequently for work. If you already have chronic sinusitis or Eustachian tube dysfunction, each flight can temporarily aggravate symptoms even when you are using good preventive measures. Over time, this may contribute to more frequent flare ups or make symptoms more noticeable. The aim of ENT care in this situation is to optimise your baseline health so that flights are less of a challenge. This might involve refining your medical treatment, addressing structural issues such as polyps or severe septal deviation, or considering procedures like grommet insertion or sinus surgery in selected cases. With a well planned approach, many people find that long haul travel becomes far more manageable.

Question 7

If I am planning important international travel and have had recent sinus or nasal surgery, how do Dr Stephen Kleid and Dr Simon Braham decide when it is safe for me to fly again without a high risk of barotrauma?

Accepted Answer

After sinus or nasal surgery, there is a healing period during which the tissues are more delicate and the sinus openings may still be settling into their new shape. At follow up appointments, Dr Stephen Kleid or Dr Simon Braham will examine the surgical area, check for swelling, crusting or infection, and assess how well the nose and sinuses are ventilating. Decisions about when it is safe to fly take into account the type of surgery performed, how your recovery is progressing, and the length and urgency of your planned trip. In some cases, short flights may be allowed earlier than long haul journeys. You may also be given a specific pre flight and in flight care plan to reduce the risk of barotrauma. The goal is always to balance safety and comfort with your personal and family commitments.

Tag: sinus barotrauma

Flying This Summer? Protecting Your Ears And Sinuses From Barotrauma