Flying is less likely to cause discomfort in a child or adult with grommets.

A grommet allows air in and out of the ear, reducing the stress on the eardrum caused by changes in air pressure in the plane.

However, children who have a history of frequent ear infections or have had grommets in the past (but no longer have them) are occasionally at risk of perforation of the eardrum when flying.

If you are worried about this, ask your GP.