How is airplane ear diagnosed?

How is airplane ear diagnosed?

Airplane ear usually goes away once the plane lands. A formal medical diagnosis is usually unnecessary. However, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Ongoing pain.
• Persistent blocked hearing.
• Vertigo
• Ear drainage or bleeding.

Your doctor will examine the ears, may order a hearing test (audiometry) or measurement of ear drum pressure (tympanometry). The doctor may then suggest options to alleviate the symptoms of blockage and pain.