Flying with a timpani effusion
Since one is already exposed to enormous pressure fluctuations in the ear when flying, the question arises as to whether flying with tympani effusion is a problem. In addition it must be said that flying with slight tympanic effusion is usually possible, the ear is not damaged. However, during take-off and landing, when the greatest fluctuations in pressure occur, there can be an unpleasant feeling of pressure and also pain, since the pressure balance in the middle ear is impaired by the tympanic effusion.
Normally, pressing against the closed nose to equalize the pressure helps here. If flying with tympanic effusion cannot be prevented, some precautions can be taken to alleviate the symptoms.Before take-off and landing it can help to take decongestant nose drops, and you can also take light painkillers with you on the plane. Children in particular suffer from the pain of flying with tympanic effusion, so distraction is a good method here.
However, if you suffer from a pronounced tympanic effusion, which is already accompanied by pain on the ground and at rest, you should reconsider flying. In individual cases, the high pressure loads can cause damage to the ear such as a ruptured eardrum. In summary, it can be said that a simple tympanic effusion is no obstacle to flying. In cases of doubt, however, it is advisable to obtain the opinion of a pediatrician or ENT specialist beforehand.
Swimming with a timpani effusion
The question of whether one can swim with timpani effusion arises especially when a timpani tube is inserted in the child. Theoretically, water can get through the opening into the middle ear, which is normally sealed by the eardrum. However, it has been shown that even in children with tubes and without plugs, water does not necessarily run into the ear when swimming.
This is probably due to the surface tension of the water and the anatomy of the ear canal. Simple swimming or splashing should therefore not be a problem. However, diving is not recommended, as the water pressure is higher.
Nevertheless, some people often get water in their ears while swimming and complain of frequent middle ear infections after swimming. Then one should refrain from doing so.
