Problem with equalizing pressure in ears?

Question

I have been fighting a cold for a month now and at the same time flying quite a lot. Each time I have a problem with equalizing the pressure in my ears, especially during descent. It hurts and it leaves me half-deaf for a couple of hours (2 days once). Anyone know of any good remedies to this problem?

Answer 1

Most doctors would agree that avoiding flying when you have an active sinus is the best way to prevent pain and possible complications, but if flying is a necessity, then there are things you need to know.

Decongestants can be used in an attempt to overcome some of the blockages to air circulation. Decongestant to relieve nasal obstruction as blockage of eustachian tube from nasal discharge is really annoying.A cold for a month seems to be a sort of allergy thus you have to refrain any source causing this reaction. Pain relievers can also be used to help control discomfort.

Changing pressure on the ears during the ascent or descent could be alleviated by holding your breath shortly and pinching your nose then attempt to exhale with a closed mouth.Gentle blows goes through the ears then you hear and feel a faint “popping”. This technique is known as a Valsalva maneuver, which equalizes air pressure within the ears. Keep on chewing something and swallow frequently, that will ease the discomfort in your ears.

You might be interested to buy a product called "Ear Planes," developed for Air Force pilots which provide relief to those with blocked Eustachian tubes. These ear plugs protect the eardrum from rapid or large ambient changes in pressure by allowing the pressure changes to take place slowly through a passage in the ear plugs. You can buy it at about 6-7 dollars per pair.

Good luck!♥

Answer 2

How To Equalize Ear Pressure

Answer 3

Pressure In Ears Cold

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Problem with equalizing pressure in ears?
I have been fighting a cold for a month now and at the same time flying quite a lot. Each time I have a problem with equalizing the pressure in my ears, especially during descent. It hurts and it leaves me half-deaf for a couple of hours (2 days once). Anyone know of any good remedies to this...

Answer 5

Okay, seriously, when your eustachian tubes are blocked due to a cold, the valsalva maneuver (pinching your nostrils shut and blowing gently) may help a little, but likely will not eliminate the problem to the extent you don't have pain on descent and deafness afterward. I know this from personal experience, more than once. I wholeheartedly suggest you try a nasal spray such as Afrin, or its equivalent. In the past, when I've had to fly while congested, that's the only thing that worked....and it REALLY helped. The others who suggested it were right.

P.S. Use the spray about 30 - 45 minutes prior to descent. You may also want to take an oral decongestant before boarding (or during, if it's a really long flight).

Answer 6

i feel bad for ya - i flew to mexico in july with a really bad cold - had connecting flights, so that was 2 times up & 2 times down & my ears still are not right - when coming down it felt like someone was twisting an ice pick in my ears - if i had to do it over i would go see a doctor immediately for relief.

Answer 7

I take an antihistimine before flying & also chew gum and rarely have a problem (knock on wood.) My husband also chews gum & sometimes suffers like you do. Some people may just get affected by the altitudes more than others - although my husband swears it's because the pilot is descending too rapidly.

Answer 8

I am a flight attendant and I have to agree with vamedicca - Afrin, and an oral decongestant, also gum. I know from personal experience that when you are really blocked valsalva can actually make things worse with the pain part. Plus you have to be really careful with valsalva. I know more than one flight attendant who has perforated an eardrum doing that when severly blocked.

Answer 9

all of these answers are correct, especially the hold your nose gently part. I've been through the same situation that u had. And holding your nose is an easy and costless way to get rid of the ear plugging!

Answer 10

hold your nose and blow gently ( or even not so gently just ramp up the pressure slowly till the ears pop - looks strange but 100% effective - better than gum or yawning by far )