What You Need to Know About Flying with a Perforated Eardrum

What Is a Perforated Eardrum?

A perforated eardrum, also known as a burst or ruptured eardrum, is a tear or hole in the thin membrane that separates your outer ear from your middle ear. Common causes for a ruptured eardrum include: 

• Middle ear infections – Fluid build-up can create pressure, leading to a rupture
• Direct injury to the ear – A punch or severe blow can damage the eardrum
• Inserting objects into the ear – Cotton swabs or other small objects can puncture the membrane
• Sudden air pressure changes – These are common during flights, particularly when ascending or descending, or from scuba diving
• Exposure to loud noises or blasts – Sudden, intense sound waves can cause the eardrum to burst

Symptoms of a perforated eardrum may include sharp pain, hearing loss, dizziness, and a ringing or buzzing sensation in the affected ear. While discomfort often subsides quickly, healing can take several weeks to months.

Can You Fly with a Perforated Eardrum?

Flying with a perforated eardrum is usually safe, and the condition often heals on its own. However, before travelling, it’s always best to consult a doctor to ensure there are no complications and that you’re fit to fly.

Top Tips for Flying with a Perforated Eardrum

If you are on holiday or need to fly with a perforated eardrum, these tips can help make your journey more comfortable:

1. Inform the Cabin Crew: 
   • Let the crew know about your condition in case you experience discomfort mid-flight.
2. Get Checked After Landing:
   • Visit a doctor once you arrive at your destination to ensure there is no severe damage or infection.
3. Keep Your Ear Dry:
   • Avoid swimming and water-based activities until your eardrum heals.
   • Use a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline™) when showering to prevent water from entering your ear.
4. Avoid Inserting Objects into Your Ear:
   • Do not use cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ear, as this can worsen the injury.
5. Be Gentle When Blowing Your Nose:
   • Excessive pressure from forceful nose-blowing can aggravate the injury and slow healing.

Why Consider Travel Insurance?

Since a perforated eardrum can increase the risk of infections or complications, it’s wise to be prepared for unexpected medical costs while travelling. The eardrum typically acts as a barrier to bacteria. If your eardrum does not heal properly, medical treatment may be required.

Having the appropriate travel insurance in place can help cover medical expenses if you need treatment abroad, giving you peace of mind during your trip.

Travel with Confidence with Able2Travel

At Able2Travel, we believe travel should be about adventure, discovery, and making unforgettable memories—not worrying about medical cover. That’s why we offer travel insurance designed to suit your needs.

Choose from three levels of cover for both Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies, with key benefits including:

• No age limit on Single Trip policies*
• Cover for thousands of pre-existing conditions
• Emergency Medical Expenses – up to £10 million
• Trip Cancellation Protection – up to £5,000
• Travel Delay & Missed Departure – up to £1,000

And much more…

*Anywhere in the world excluding, USA, Canada, Mexico & The Caribbean

For the love of travel, choose Able2Travel.

Wherever your travels take you, choose Able2Travel for a worry-free experience. Get a quote today and travel with confidence.

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This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest terms, conditions, and exclusions.