A 24-year-old member asked:
Is it ok to fly with a perforated eardrum?
2 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in

Dr. Dennis Diazanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 40 years experience
Yes: It is ok to fly with a perforated ear drum.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Patrick Melder commented
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 29 years experience
In fact, if you have problems with your ears when flying, a perforation will help pressure changes
Oct 3, 2011

Dr. David Astrachananswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 39 years experience
Absolutely: The ear with the perforation will be the happiest ear on the plane as it will have instantaneous pressure equalization and no problem whatsoever. Ear problems occur when the pressure outside the ear drum is significantly different than pressure inside the middle ear. With a hole that can't happen.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed Aug 11, 2021
Similar questions
A 47-year-old member asked:
Can one fly with a perforated eardrum?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Krulakanswered
Family Medicine 25 years experience
Yes: As a matter of fact, it will be easier to fly with that ear because one would not have to equalize pressure in it. The caveat is that you are the passenger. You should likely not pilot for fear of equilibrium issues.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 11, 2021
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