Is ear fullness after using Debrox drops safe for air travel?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a problem. A few days ago, I decided to clean my ears using Debrox ear drops because I am going on a month-long trip and did not want to have any issues with earwax buildup while I am away. I am used to my ears getting clogged with wax, so I tried to prevent that.

I put the drops in each ear as usual, but something strange happened with my right ear. After flushing it out, it still felt full. I thought the wax might have been pushed deeper into the ear, so I repeated the treatment. However, my ear still felt blocked. This started to worry me because it had not felt full at all before I used the drops. Normally, after two treatments, my ears feel clear.

I decided to sleep it off and tried the treatment again the next day, but my ear still did not improve. It began to hurt, likely from all the massaging and drops. Later that evening, I told a friend about the issue. She has dealt with ear problems before and suggested that it might not be wax at all. After so many treatments, it seemed unlikely that any wax would still be left. Her theory was that my eardrum might be swollen and irritated from overuse of the drops and that I should stop touching my ear.

I followed her advice and immediately noticed a change. The pain went away, although the ear still felt full. The pressure was a bit lighter. That night, I noticed my ear would open slightly but then close again.

The reason I am concerned is that my flight is tomorrow. While there has been some improvement, my ear still feels very full, and my hearing is still quite muffled. When I tilt my head to the right, I can feel a lot of pressure. I am worried that the pressure from the airplane might make the situation worse, and now I am second-guessing whether it is a swollen eardrum or something else entirely.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

What might be happening:

Earwax impaction or blockage: Even though you used the drops several times, sometimes wax can get pushed deeper into the ear canal or become impacted, which causes that feeling of fullness and muffled hearing.
Irritation or mild inflammation of the ear canal or eardrum: Using drops repeatedly can irritate the delicate skin in your ear or the eardrum, leading to swelling and that full, blocked sensation.
Possible eustachian tube dysfunction: This tube connects your middle ear to the back of your throat and helps equalize pressure. If it is not working properly, it can lead to pressure buildup and muffled hearing, especially when tilting your head.

Concerns with flying: Changes in cabin pressure during a flight can worsen ear fullness, pain, or muffled hearing if your ears are not clearing pressure well. This can lead to discomfort or even ear barotrauma if the pressure cannot be equalized.

What you can do before your flight:

Stop using the drops, and you did the right thing by stopping, as this helps reduce irritation.
Avoid touching or massaging the ear; this can cause further irritation.
Try gentle pressure-equalizing techniques during the flight:

Yawn frequently.
Swallow often.
Chew gum.
Do the Valsalva maneuver gently (close your mouth, pinch your nose, and blow gently).

Use over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen if needed for pain relief.

Keep your head elevated, and if possible, avoid sleeping during takeoff and landing so you can actively help your ears adjust to the pressure.

Important: If you notice severe pain, dizziness, worsening hearing loss, or any fluid, blood, or pus coming from your ear, seek medical attention immediately.

After your trip: See an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist as soon as you can. They can examine your ears properly, remove any remaining wax if needed, and check for any signs of inflammation or middle ear issues.

Summary:

Your symptoms sound like a mix of earwax blockage and irritation. Flying might be uncomfortable, but with some care, it can usually be managed safely. Avoid further use of ear drops, try pressure-equalizing methods during the flight, and make sure to follow up with a doctor afterward if needed.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.