Travel Tips: Protecting Your Ear Health Before, During, and After Your Holiday
- MK Ear Wax Clinic
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Travelling is an exciting time, but it can sometimes lead to ear discomfort or complications caused by pressure changes, earwax build-up, or infections like swimmer’s ear. At MK Earwax Clinic, we want to help you protect your ear health throughout your journey—whether you’re flying, swimming, or simply enjoying your holiday. This guide provides essential advice for managing ear health before, during, and after your trip to keep you comfortable and pain-free.
Why Do Ears Hurt During Flights?
During takeoff and landing, changes in air pressure affect your middle ear, causing a sensation often known as 'ear barotrauma' or 'ear popping'. Normally, the Eustachian tube in your ear equalises this pressure, but blockages from earwax or congestion can make this difficult, resulting in pain, muffled hearing, or discomfort.
Preventing Ear Discomfort When Flying
Stay Hydrated and Yawn or Swallow Frequently
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your Eustachian tubes functioning properly. Yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum during ascent and descent can help open the tubes and equalise pressure.
Avoid Sleeping During Takeoff and Landing
Being awake during these critical moments allows you to actively manage pressure changes through swallowing or yawning.
Managing Earwax Issues Before and After Travel
Get Your Ears Checked Before Your Holiday
If you suffer from earwax build-up or frequent ear discomfort, it’s advisable to have your ears checked and professionally cleaned before travelling. Blockages can worsen pressure-related pain and affect your hearing during the flight. At MK Earwax Clinic, we offer convenient appointments to assess your ear health and perform safe, effective earwax removal to help you travel comfortably.
Be Careful With Self-Cleaning
Avoid using cotton buds or other objects to remove earwax, as this can push wax deeper and cause blockages or damage.
Understanding and Preventing Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing, which creates a moist environment encouraging bacterial growth. The NHS states that symptoms include itching inside the ear, redness, pain, and sometimes discharge.
Why Swimmer’s Ear Can Be a Holiday Issue
Swimming in pools, lakes, or the sea during holidays increases the risk of swimmer’s ear. Warm, wet conditions combined with water exposure make swimmers more susceptible to this infection.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
The NHS recommends:
Keeping ears dry after swimming by gently drying with a towel or using a hairdryer on a low setting held at a distance.
Avoiding inserting cotton buds or fingers into the ears.
Using ear drops prescribed by a healthcare professional if you are prone to swimmer’s ear.
What To Do If You Suspect Swimmer’s Ear
If you experience symptoms such as ear pain, swelling, or discharge during or after your holiday, seek medical advice promptly. Early treatment usually involves prescription ear drops and can prevent the infection from worsening.
What To Do If You Experience Ear Problems While Away
Persistent ear pain, muffled hearing, or discharge should be assessed by a professional. Clinics like MK Earwax Clinic offer appointments to address these concerns.
Over-the-counter painkillers may provide temporary relief but should not replace professional treatment.
Keep ears dry and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
Why Professional Ear Care Matters
Proper earwax removal and ear health checks performed by qualified professionals can prevent complications during travel. Our clinic uses safe and effective microsuction methods that are gentle and comfortable, helping you enjoy your holiday without ear discomfort.
Summary: Key Tips for Ear Health When Travelling
Have your ears checked and cleaned by a professional before travelling if you have known earwax issues.
Use hydration, swallowing, and pressure-relief ear plugs to reduce discomfort during flights.
Take precautions to prevent swimmer’s ear by keeping your ears dry and avoiding self-cleaning.
Seek prompt professional care if you experience persistent ear pain, discharge, or hearing loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can flying worsen earwax problems?
A: Yes, earwax blockages can increase ear pressure and pain during flights, so having ears checked beforehand is recommended.
Q: How long does swimmer’s ear usually last?
A: With early treatment, swimmer’s ear often clears within 7 to 10 days.
Q: Are cotton buds safe for cleaning ears?
A: No, cotton buds can push wax deeper and potentially cause damage or infection.
Q: Can I get urgent earwax removal if I have ear pain during my trip?
A: Yes, there are experts like MK Earwax Clinic that offer emergency and out-of-hours appointments to help relieve discomfort quickly.
Book Your Ear Health Check Today
If you’re planning a trip and want to ensure your ears are travel-ready, book an appointment with MK Earwax Clinic today. We offer routine and urgent earwax removal services, including out-of-hours and Sunday appointments. Protect your ear health and fly with comfort—schedule your visit online or call us to secure your spot.
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