Pain when flying

[dianaharv]

I have tinnitus in my right ear. When flying, does anyone else experience a really strong pain in your 'tinnitus' ear when the plane is descending. It isn't every flight but when it happens it is so painful. Once we have landed it is gone but my ear feels quite fragile and sore for a while after. I am also sure that my tinnitus takes a step forward every time this happens. Hence we don't fly very much any more. Has anyone else experienced this?

[berry76]

That pain is all to do with equalising the air pressure in your ears. Keep swallowing (by eating a sweet) and make your ears pop by pinching your nose and blowing hard down the closed nostrils. Of course it's worse if you have a cold as the air can't get through - but keep trying. I don't really think the tinnitus gets worse - I just think we concentrate on it more as we have this vulnerability. I do share your anxiety (as all of us do) but the distractions of foreign travel are worth taking the risk! All best wishes.

[rohit71gera]

audicus.com/barotrauma-and-...

[NicBTA Partner]

Sorry to hear you experience pain when flying. There are some things you can do to help - our information sheet gives you all the details

tinnitus.org.uk/flying-and-...

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)