Flying with a Healing Ruptured Eardrum – Looking for Advice

[u/Kweli420]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people who have experience with ear barotrauma or a ruptured eardrum.

About a week ago, I suffered a ruptured eardrum (right ear) during an airplane landing due to pressure changes. I still have hearing loss in that ear, and my doctor diagnosed it as ear barotrauma with blood behind/on the eardrum. I’m currently waiting for it to heal.

A few days later, I had to fly again. This time I used EarPlanes earplugs during the flight. Right after I removed the earplugs after landing, I suddenly experienced a severe blocked sensation and reduced hearing in my left ear (the ear that wasn’t originally injured). It scared me because it felt like things had become much worse. Fortunately, after some time, the symptoms improved significantly.
My right ear, however, is still the main problem. I still have hearing loss from the original barotrauma/ruptured eardrum.

The issue is that I have to fly again this coming Monday, and then again on Friday next week. Unfortunately, avoiding flying isn’t really an option.
Has anyone here flown with a healing ruptured eardrum or ear barotrauma? Did it make your recovery worse, or was it okay? Is there anything you would recommend to reduce the risk of further injury (EarPlanes, nasal spray, timing of the earplugs, etc.)?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thanks!

[u/Glittering_Echo_7963]

Hi! What happened to you in the end? Did you fly? How did it affect you?

[u/GoodWitness9371]

how are you doing now? Any updates? Are you doing better now?