Why Should You Always Get Earwax Removed Before Flying?

If you are flying away on holiday soon, excess earwax can prove to be very distressing when you are in a pressurised cabin. That is why you should make sure you have the problem tackled before you go.

With summer bringing sizzling weather to the UK, many people will feel there is little point in venturing overseas. However, others will have long since made plans.

While some will have been enjoying the World Cup across the Atlantic, some may be set to fly to Iceland or Spain next month to see the total eclipse of the sun. Others may simply have a getaway planned, be it short haul to Europe or long haul to somewhere further away.

Whatever you plan to do, our pharmacy can help you get ready, whether that involves inoculations for countries that require vaccinations before you go, insect repellent, other medication, or earwax removal.

Why Is Earwax A Problem Onboard A Plane?

The last of these things would not be an issue you would normally associate with holiday health. But if you are going to be flying in a plane, this is the last thing you want, due to the way that the cabin is pressurised in flight:

• Once airborne, the plane can soar to altitudes of over 30,000 ft above sea level

• At such a high altitude, the air pressure outside is too low for people to be able to breathe

• To enable passengers to breathe, the cabin is pressurised to the equivalent level found around 8,000 ft up

  
  

This means the pressure is still lower than you would normally experience and the changes happen quickly when the plane takes off and when it is coming in to land.

Such pressure changes can be felt most strongly in the ear, which can sometimes go ‘pop’. But the ear is normally able to adjust by passing air through the Eustachian tubes to the jaw to balance out the pressure.

However, earwax can cause a blockage that limits the flow of air or prevents it altogether, leading to severe pain as the pressure changes.

Not only can this cause severe discomfort during a flight with little chance of relief and sometimes loss of hearing as well, but you can also find the problems continue after you land:

• The ear may continue to feel blocked and sore

• You may find you suffer tinnitus symptoms, such as buzzing in the ear

• Your hearing is impaired

What Is The Best Way To Deal With Earwax?

Such issues can spoil your holiday, so it makes sense to have them tackled beforehand.

Ear discomfort can have multiple causes, with colds and sinus issues also causing blockages in the Eustachian tubes.

In such situations, you would be wise to take some cold relief to clear the airways. However, if it is earwax, the best course of action is to get the wax removed.

Trying to do it at home with means such as cotton wool buds can be very counter-productive, as this can push the wax in and make the blockage worse. This could lead to even greater discomfort on a plane.

Instead, by having it removed properly at our pharmacy, you can enjoy complete relief from blockages that can cause discomfort, hampered hearing and, worst of all, a very unpleasant flight.