Question
I’ve been experiencing ear blockage symptoms after flying, for four days now. Will they heal on their own, or do I need to seek medical attention?
Answer
During takeoff and landing, the adjustment of the Eustachian tube and the active ventilation action help maintain the balance of pressure between the middle ear and the external environment. At this time, you may only feel a sense of fullness or slight hearing impairment, but it will not cause damage to the ear. An injury to the middle ear cavity is known as airplane ear infection. Early treatment of airplane ear infection is more effective, and the treatment required is simpler. During treatment, actions such as swallowing, chewing, and yawning can be performed. Nasal drops containing ephedrine, a vasoconstrictor, can be used; for those with effusion or hemorrhage in the middle ear, a myringotomy with aspiration should be performed under sterile conditions; for those with a perforated eardrum, a cotton ball should be inserted into the external auditory canal to keep it dry, and systemic antibiotics should be used to allow for spontaneous healing; if it does not heal on its own, tympanoplasty can be performed. For those who frequently suffer from airplane ear infection, it is important to identify and eliminate the cause.