Ear pain during air travel - How common is it?

Many people get pain in their ears when they fly. But whether people get ear pain depends on the type of aircraft they're flying in, how high the plane flies, and whether their ears are already blocked.

One study found that 1 in 5 adults got some ear problems when they travelled by air. And twice as many children (2 in 5) had pain in their ears.[1]

References

Stangerup S-E, Tjernstrom O, Klokke M, et al. Point prevalence of barotitis in children and adults after flight, and the effect of autoinflation. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 1998; 69: 45-49.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.