Skip to main content

Featured post

Child Noisy Breathing or Stridor? Parent Guide | London & Essex

  Why Is My Child’s Breathing Noisy? A Parent’s Guide to Stridor, Croup and When to Seek Help Hearing an unusual noise when your child breathes can be frightening. Parents may describe the sound as squeaky, harsh, wheezy, whistling or “croupy”. Some notice it only when their child is crying or excited. Others hear it while the child is resting or sleeping. One of the most important points is that not all noisy breathing is the same . A noise coming from the nose is different from a wheeze coming from the lower airways. A harsh sound when a child  inhales may be  stridor , which can indicate narrowing of  the upper airway or voice box. Many causes of noisy breathing in children are treatable, and some are temporary. However, because a child’s airway is relatively small, worsening breathing difficulty should always be taken seriously. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon, assesses children with ear, nose, throat, voice and upper-airway concerns from Lond...

Do you suffer with painful ears when flying?






Why do my ears hurt whilst flying?
Our ear has three parts- the external ear, middle ear and inner ear. The external ear and middle ear are separated by the eardrum. Usually, the pressure on both sides of the drum is equal, helped by the opening and closing of the Eustachian tube. Pressure changes in the cabin of an aeroplane during climbing and landing. Middle ear pressure becomes negative, especially when landing.  When negative pressure pulls on the eardrum, it can become painful.

What are other names of Barotrauma?
Barotrauma is also known as Barotitis media or aerotitis media.

What other symptoms can suggest Barotrauma?
The most common symptom is a painful ear. This can be associated with decreased hearing, tinnitus and mild vertigo. In some cases, if associated with severe dizziness, severe deafness and bleeding from the ear due to eardrum perforation, you need to see an Ear Nose Throat Consultant immediately.

Who are at increased risk of the painful ear when flying?
Babies and toddlers have a small and straight Eustachian tube, which can get blocked with the change of pressure. Children with glue ear can experience a painful ear. In adults, increased mucus or inflammation around the Eustachian tube can make you more susceptible to Barotrauma. If you have an ear infection, flu or hay fever, you should seek advice before air travel.

What can we do avoid painful ear while flying?
Giving something to drink to babies and toddlers when climbing and landing can help maintain pressure in the middle ear. In adults, try chewing sweets, talking, gently blowing air into the middle ear, using decongestants after discussing with a pharmacist or doctor is advisable, and avoid sleeping on an aeroplane when the plane is climbing or landing, as this can make your symptoms worse.

When should I seek help for painful ear due to Barotrauma?
If you notice mild symptoms which last more than a few weeks or severe painful ear associated with vertigo or deafness, you should seek review by an Ear Nose Throat surgeon.

If you are a frequent flyer, you can try Otovent balloon to help your symptoms.

In severe symptoms with deafness and vertigo, you may need emergency middle ear exploration to plug inner ear in order to prevent permanent deafness.


Will I need ear perforation repaired due to Barotrauma?
The good news is that most eardrum perforation will heal in approximately six to eight weeks.


What can be done to prevent painful ear and Barotrauma in frequent flyers?

After consultation with an ENT surgeon in some cases, ventilation tube (grommets) or Eustachian tube dilation may help.

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon

To make an appointment

Call 07494914140

email  info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant

Popular Post

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

Private Pediatric Coblation Tonsillectomy London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar Coblation Tonsillectomy for Children: A Gentler, Less Painful Option in London and Essex When a child suffers from chronically enlarged tonsils that disrupt their breathing at night, or recurrent bouts of tonsillitis that cause high fevers and missed school days, surgical removal is often the most effective long-term solution. However, the prospect of a traditional tonsillectomy can make many parents incredibly anxious, primarily due to concerns over post-operative throat pain and a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, modern surgical advancements have introduced a technique designed specifically to address these concerns: Coblation Tonsillectomy . If you are looking into private treatment options for your child outside of overstretched local NHS waiting lists, understanding how this gentle technology works can help you make an informed choice. This guide breaks down the benefits of coblation and how famil...
Read more

Retracted Ear Drum

  What Is a Retracted Eardrum? A retracted eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane retraction, is a condition where the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is pulled inward or drawn backwards from its normal position. The eardrum is a thin, delicate membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear, where the auditory ossicles (small bones) are located.   Under normal circumstances, the eardrum is slightly concave and positioned at an angle that allows it to respond to changes in air pressure. The Eustachian tube, a tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.   However, in cases of a retracted eardrum, the Eustachian tube might not function correctly or become blocked, leading to an imbalance in pressure. When negative pressure builds up in the middle ear, it causes the eardrum t...
Read more

After your Epley manoeuvre — patient information leaflet

  What this leaflet tells you This leaflet explains what to expect after the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior-canal BPPV, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to seek help.   1. Quick summary — what the Epley did The manoeuvre moves tiny particles (otoconia) out of the balance canal of your inner ear and back into a place where they don’t cause spinning (vertigo). Most people feel much better after one or a few treatments. However BPPV can come back (recurrence is common).   2. How you may feel immediately afterwards You may feel dizzy or off-balance for a few minutes to a few hours; nausea is possible.   Some people feel better straightaway; others get gradual improvement over days.   Rarely ,you may have brief recurrences of vertigo — this does not always mean the manoeuvre failed.   3. Activity and posture — what the evidence says Good news: High-quality studies and recent guidelines show that strict he...
Read more

LAX VOX

  LAX VOX  is a vocal therapy technique that can help improve voice quality, relaxation, and overall vocal health. It involves using a unique tube to create  bubbling sounds  while phonating.  Here are the steps for practising LAX VOX: Relax and Focus on Posture and Breathing : Maintain a good posture with a long spine. Relax your face, neck, upper back, and chest muscles, allowing them to release toward gravity. Preparing for Bubbling with Phonation : Place a  silicone tube  (about 35 cm long and 9-12 mm in diameter) between or in front of your incisor teeth and above your tongue. Keep your tongue relaxed (imagine it as a piece of steak) and slightly touch the tube. Hold the water-filled bottle near your body to avoid using shoulder muscles. Inhale through your nose as if you’re yawning with your mouth closed. Prepare for phonation during exhalation, focusing on abdominal and lower back muscles. Finding the Target Voice : Create bubbling sounds with y...
Read more

What Happens During Septoplasty Surgery? | London & Essex

  What Actually Happens During Septoplasty? Inside the Procedure to Restore Nasal Airflow in East London, Brentwood and Essex Contemplating any surgical procedure can naturally bring about a wave of anxiety. If you are an adult living in East London, Brentwood or Essex who has struggled for years with a chronically blocked nose, you might have been told that a septoplasty is the answer. Yet, it is completely normal to feel hesitant when you don't know exactly what the operation involves. Perhaps you worry about waking up with a completely different face, or you are anxious about extensive downtime keeping you off the busy M25 or A12 commute. If you are seeking clarity, let us demystify the process. A septoplasty is a highly structured, internal procedure designed purely to help you breathe freely again—not to change your outward appearance. Anatomy and Pathology: Straightening the Internal Wall To understand the mechanics of a septoplasty, we need to look beneath the surface at ...
Read more

Earbuds vs Over-Ears: Which One Is Silently Damaging Your Hearing?

Headphones are no longer an occasional accessory—they’re part of daily life. From early-morning podcasts to late-night playlists, our ears are spending more time under acoustic load than ever before. But a question keeps coming up in clinics, classrooms, and conversations around ear health: Are earbuds worse for your hearing than over-ear headphones? Let’s move beyond opinion and aesthetics. By looking at sound pressure levels , hygiene , and long-term listening behaviour , we can reach a clear, evidence-informed conclusion. 1. Sound Pressure Levels: Distance Matters More Than You Think The single most important factor in headphone-related hearing risk is the amount of sound energy that  reaches the inner ear . Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) Sit millimetres from the eardrum Deliver sound directly into the ear canal Require lower absolute power , but often result in higher sound pressure at the cochlea Users tend to increase volume in noisy environments (commuting, g...
Read more

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: Day-by-Day Guide After Tonsil Surgery

  Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery: What to Expect Day by Day Adult tonsillectomy can significantly improve quality of life for people struggling with recurrent tonsillitis, chronic sore throats or repeated throat infections. However, recovery after adult tonsil surgery is often more uncomfortable than many patients expect. Understanding the normal stages of recovery can help reduce anxiety and allow patients to prepare properly before surgery. This guide explains what adults commonly experience after tonsillectomy, how to support recovery safely, and when to seek urgent medical advice. Why is adult tonsillectomy recovery difficult? The tonsils sit in an area that moves constantly during swallowing, eating and speaking. After surgery, the throat heals gradually over approximately two weeks. Adults generally experience: Significant throat pain Pain when swallowing Ear pain (referred pain from the throat) Tiredness and reduced energy Disturbed sleep Temporary bad brea...
Read more

Private Glue Ear Treatment for Children in London & Essex | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Glue Ear in Children: Helping Your Child Hear Clearly in London and Essex It is incredibly common for parents to notice a sudden change in their child’s behavior—whether they are suddenly turning up the iPad volume, ignoring instructions at home, or struggling to follow what their teacher is saying at school. While it is easy to mistake this for daydreaming or a simple lack of attention, the true culprit is frequently a structural condition known as Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion). When local families across East London and Essex search for answers, they are often relieved to find that this common cause of childhood hearing loss is highly treatable. This guide explains how glue ear impacts your child's daily development and the localized care pathways available to resolve it. What is Glue Ear? Glue ear occurs when the middle ear space—the air-filled cavity directly behind the eardrum—becomes filled with a thick, sticky fluid instead of air. In children, the Eustachian tube...
Read more

Flying with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction | London & Essex ENT

  Dread the Descent? Tips for Flying with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Blocked Ears in East London, Brentwood and Essex For most holidaymakers or business travellers across East London, Brentwood and Essex, boarding a flight is the start of an exciting journey. But if you suffer from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) , looking at a plane ticket can fill you with pure dread. The thought of that final 30-minute descent—waiting for a sharp, agonizing pop or a feeling of absolute deafness that lasts for days after landing—is enough to make anyone anxious. You might find yourself frantically chewing gum, swallowing hard, or panicking as you sit on the tarmac, worrying about permanent damage to your hearing. If you are tired of your ears feeling completely blocked every time you travel, it is not something you simply have to endure. Understanding how your ears react to cabin pressure, paired with a few specialist strategies, can completely transform your next journey. Anatomy and Path...
Read more

Vestibular Schwannoma Specialist Care | London & Essex

  Diagnosed with a Vestibular Schwannoma? Your Guide to Expert Acoustic Neuroma Care in East London, Brentwood and Essex Receiving a diagnosis of a vestibular schwannoma —often referred to as an acoustic neuroma—can feel completely overwhelming. It is entirely natural to experience a wave of anxiety, confusion, and fear when a doctor mentions an intracranial growth or a "tumour" near your brain. Perhaps your journey started with a vague imbalance while walking, or a persistent, one-sided ringing that you noticed while commuting along the A12 . You may have spent months wondering why your hearing was fading in just one ear before a diagnostic scan revealed the answer. If you or a loved one are navigating this diagnosis, please take a deep breath. While the news is serious, these growths are non-cancerous, exceptionally slow-growing, and highly manageable under expert care right here in the East London, Brentwood and Essex regions. Anatomy and Pathology: What is a Vestibular Sc...
Read more