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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you experience severe pain or symptoms associated with airplane ear that don't go away with self-care techniques, you'll likely see your family doctor or a general practitioner first. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT, or otolaryngologist). Because appointments can be brief, it's a good idea to be prepared.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to ear pain, hearing impairment or related problems.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of airplane ear, you might want to ask the following questions:
- Are these signs and symptoms likely related to my recent airplane travel?
- What is the best treatment?
- Do you think I will experience any long-term complications?
- How will we monitor for possible complications?
- How can I prevent this from happening again?
- When should I consider canceling travel plans?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Have you had a cold, sinus infection or ear infection?
- Have you experienced airplane ear in the past?
- Were past experiences with airplane ear prolonged or severe?
What you can do in the meantime
To treat pain, you may take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others), or an analgesic pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
- Mirza S, et al. Otic barotrauma from air travel. Journal of Laryngology and Otology. 2005;119(5):366-370.
- Vernick D. Ear barotrauma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Ears and altitude. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/earsAltitude.cfm. Accessed Sept. 4, 2008.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 28, 2009.
- Travel safety tips. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/travelsafetytips.cfm. Accessed Sept. 28, 2009.
