Flying with a perforated eardrum
Counter-intuitively, a hole in the eardrum often makes flying less painful, not more — but that is not the whole story.
The short answer. Often yes, and it may hurt less than you expect. A perforation lets air move freely between the middle ear and the ear canal, so pressure equalises by itself. The concerns are infection, healing, and whether the perforation is recent or surgical — which is why you should ask the doctor treating it rather than assume.
Why it can be more comfortable, not less
The pain of flying with a blocked ear comes from a pressure difference across an intact eardrum that cannot equalise. A perforation removes the seal. Air passes through the hole, pressure equalises passively, and many people with a perforation notice nothing at all on take-off or landing.
So what is the concern?
Three things, none of them about pressure.
Infection. The middle ear is normally protected from the outside world by the eardrum. With a perforation it is not. Water is the main risk — swimming, diving and showering without protection — which matters more for the holiday than the flight itself.
Healing. Most traumatic perforations heal on their own within a couple of months. Flying does not usually interfere with that, but a recent perforation should be reviewed before you travel, particularly if it followed a head injury or barotrauma.
Recent ear surgery. This is the real restriction. Operations such as a tympanoplasty, mastoid surgery or grommet insertion may leave air trapped where it should not be, or a graft that needs to stay in place. The CAA advises specialist clearance after middle ear surgery. Ask your surgeon — the answer depends on the operation.
When not to fly
Do not fly without speaking to the treating clinician if the perforation is new, followed a head injury, is discharging pus or blood, or is accompanied by significant hearing loss, dizziness or facial weakness. Do not fly after middle ear surgery until the surgeon has cleared you.
Common questions
Can you fly with a perforated eardrum?
Usually yes. The perforation lets pressure equalise on its own, so flying is often comfortable. The issues are infection risk and whether the perforation is recent or post-surgical — both worth checking with a doctor first.
Will flying make the perforation worse?
Not typically. Pressure passes through the hole rather than pushing against the eardrum. The greater risk to healing is water entering the ear canal, which is a holiday problem rather than a flight problem.
Can I fly after grommets or ear surgery?
Grommets themselves are not usually a barrier — they work by equalising pressure, which is the same effect as a perforation. Other middle ear surgery is different and needs the surgeon’s clearance, because air may be trapped or a graft may be healing.
Should I use earplugs?
Standard pressure-equalising earplugs do nothing useful with a perforation, since the ear is already equalising. Keeping water out is the priority — ask your clinician about a proper waterproof plug for swimming and showering.
What if it is painful during the flight?
Pain with a known perforation suggests infection or another problem rather than simple barotrauma. Get it looked at, and take pain relief in your hand luggage.
Related
Sources. The airline and clinical facts on this page were checked against these primary sources on 24 August 2026. Airline policies change without notice — always confirm with your airline before you book or travel.
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