Flying Soon? Why You Should Check Your Ears Before Your Holiday | Ear Examinations in Solihull

If you have ever experienced uncomfortable pressure, muffled hearing, or sharp ear pain during a flight, you are not alone. These symptoms are incredibly common, especially during takeoff and landing when the cabin pressure changes rapidly. For many travellers, the main cause of this discomfort is simple: ear pressure when flying.

In this guide, we explain exactly why flying affects the ears, how to recognise problems before they escalate, and why an ear examination in Solihull or microsuction treatment can help prevent discomfort during your journey. 

Why Does Flying Affect Your Ears

When a plane climbs or descends, the air pressure inside the cabin changes. Your ears rely on the Eustachian tube to equalise this pressure naturally. If the pressure cannot equalise quickly enough, the eardrum stretches, causing discomfort or pain. For anyone with blocked ears before flying, this pressure change can become far more intense.

Factors that make pressure equalisation harder include:

• Impacted wax

• Congestion from colds or allergies

• Recent ear infections

• Narrow or sensitive ear canals

• Hearing aid use

If wax is blocking the canal, it acts as a physical barrier, stopping the equalising process and increasing your risk of discomfort during the flight.

What Ear Symptoms Do People Experience on Planes

Travellers commonly report several uncomfortable symptoms during take-off and landing. These can be mild or quite severe, depending on whether the ears are already blocked. Typical symptoms include:

• Ear pain that worsens with pressure changes

• A feeling of fullness or blockage

• Muffled or reduced hearing

• Popping that does not relieve the pressure

• Temporary dizziness or imbalance

• Tinnitus becoming louder

These symptoms are usually temporary, but they can ruin the start of a holiday if they are severe. For people who already struggle with wax buildup, discomfort is more likely to occur.

How Does Ear Wax Affect Flying

The role of earwax and flying is often misunderstood. Wax is natural and important, but when it accumulates or becomes impacted, it prevents the eardrum from moving freely. This makes pressure changes during flights much harder for the ears to handle.

Problems caused by wax before flying include:

• Reduced ability to equalise pressure

• Increased ear pain during takeoff or landing

• Higher risk of muffled hearing

• Wax traps moisture in hot and humid destinations

• Difficulty hearing announcements or communicating while away

If you feel discomfort, muffling, or a sensation of blockage in the days leading up to your holiday, it is a clear sign that you should seek professional help before travelling.

Why Should You Consider Microsuction Before Travel

One of the safest and most effective ways to prepare your ears for flying is microsuction before travel. Our Microsuction service in Solihull removes wax gently using a small suction device under direct vision, allowing your ears to equalise properly on the plane.

Benefits include:

• Prevents pressure build-up

• Reduces the risk of ear pain during your flight

• Helps the ears adapt more easily to altitude changes

• Improves hearing throughout your trip

• Ideal for hearing aid users or adults prone to wax buildup

• Safe for individuals with sensitive ears or perforated eardrums

Understand how microsuction works

When Should You Book an Ear Check Before Flying

Timing matters. To make sure your ears are in the best condition for flying, it is recommended to schedule an ear check or wax removal appointment:

• One to two weeks before travelling, if you are not currently experiencing symptoms

• As soon as possible, if you already feel blocked, uncomfortable, or have reduced hearing

Booking in advance allows enough time for treatment and any additional ear care advice if required. This is especially useful during busy travel seasons such as summer, Christmas, or half-term.

Who Is Most Likely to Experience Problems When Flying

Although anyone can experience ear pain on planes, certain groups are more prone to pressure problems and blocked ears, particularly if flying often or recently recovering from illness. These include:

• Hearing aid users

• People with a history of wax buildup

• Adults recovering from colds, sinus issues, or ear infections

• Travellers with tinnitus

• Older adults

• People who regularly use earbuds or earphones

If you fit into any of these groups, getting an ear examination in Solihull before taking off is particularly beneficial for comfort and safety while travelling.

What Self-Care Is Safe Before Flying and What Should You Avoid

Some simple at-home steps may help keep your ears comfortable, but it is important to focus on safe methods and avoid anything that could worsen the issue.

Safe approaches include:

• Using olive oil drops sparingly if recommended

• Staying hydrated

• Chewing or swallowing during takeoff and landing

• Yawning to help equalise pressure

Unsafe methods to avoid include:

• Cotton buds

• Ear candles

• Bulb syringes

• DIY irrigation kits

These can push wax deeper, cause injury, or worsen blockages. If you suspect a buildup, microsuction is the safest option and avoids introducing water to the ear canal.

Book Your Pre-Flight Ear Check in Solihull

If you are preparing for a holiday and want peace of mind before you fly, booking a pre-travel ear check is one of the simplest ways to avoid discomfort. Whether you are travelling for business or heading on a family holiday, ensuring your ears are clear can make your journey easier and more enjoyable.

To book an at-home ear examination in Solihull or the surrounding areas, you can schedule your appointment today!

Call us today on 07482 553743

Email: info@earcare4you.com

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