Ear tubes and flying

[connorlevismom]

My son (2) has tubes in his ear and I am wondering how he is going to do with flying. I am terrified that he is going to be in a major amount of pain! I thought about earplanes but don't know if those can be used if a child has tubes. Anyone have a child with tubes that can tell me how flying was for them?

Kristine

 

[jeeperwy]

Both of my DS's have had tubes. I remember asking the ENT if DS could fly about a week after his tubes were in and he said that it was fine, and he probably wouldn't be in as much pain as before the tubes, because it could release the pressure easier.
We have also flown many times with DS2 after his tubes, and never had any problems.

Hope that helps!!
Kari

 

[mom2isaac&ella]

Our ENT fit my DS's surgery in earlier for us so he could have the tubes put in before we flew so he wouldn't be in pain. We had the 1st appointment on Wednesday, surgery on Friday & left for a cruise on Saturday. He did great on the plane. I would think that the tubes would keep the pressure equalized in the ears, so no discomfort.

 

[karliebug]

The ear tubes are in a hole in his eardrum and so the pressure is equalized. He will do great.

 

[connorlevismom]

Oh thank you guys so much! I just had these horrid visions of a 2 1/2 year old screaming for hours in pain. This makes me feel so much better.

Kristine

 

[wrldpossibility]

Just to reassure you...I just got back from flying with my 18-month-old who has tubes, and it never bothered him once. The tubes equalize the pressure, so kids with tubes are better off than the rest of us. In contrast, my oldest son, who never has ear pain, was in a lot of pain flying this year, and he does not have tubes. Your little one will be fine, no earplanes needed (get your $$ out of those tubes! ).

 

[Lisa_Belle]

According to their package, Earplanes can't be used if your child has tubes.

 

[connorlevismom]

Thanks for checking on that! I am really happy that Connor's ear will most likely be alright. That is a load off my shoulders. Now....if I can figure out how to keep him occupied for 2 1/2 hours.......

Kristine

 

[MarksMom2006]

I was just about to ask this question also! My DS3 has tubes in his ears too. Thanks already for the help with this!

 

[austin&pipermom]

Coming from someone who grew up with tubes in their ears and traveling. Your child will be fine. Their ears may pop a little more. If you allow you child to have gum, that works get to relieve the pressure.

 

[slo]

Both of my girls have flown with tubes in their ears and they were both fine . When we take off I make them drink some water to prevent their ears from getting plugged up and it's always worked great.

 

[MeLaNie9]

My brother flew with tubes many times when we were growing up, he was fine. I had them at age 18 and last year and was fine when flying. My dad has had them put in every year or so for the past 5 years and he is fine when flying. (Nice family history, huh? ) The tubes go through the ear drums so the pressures are equalized on either side so there should be no pain at all unless the tubes are clogged or have fallen.