Ear Problems.

[i_love_the_hoff]

Hi all,

Whenever I go on a plane which is probably once a fortnight during the footy season and about once a month non footy season, and when when the plane lands, my ears block up so much. The pain is horrific. I actually cant handle it anymore.

Does anyone know any tricks or techniques to use to decrease the problem?

Thanks.
xx

 

[blues4flag]

Try chewing gum.

 

[hamG]

I'm sure a doc could give you a proper solution, but it has happened to me before (felt like brain was going to explode) and the best thing I could do was get a pack of hard lollys and suck on that. Sounds fun I know, but it generates saliva and swallowing alleviates the pain by maybe 25% for a very short amount of time.

Thats all I got for this particular problem.

It seems chronic though and I can't believe you have put up with it for so long without seeing a doctor!

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

If it's a recurring problem, go see a doctor.

Is it a wax build-up or just the cabin pressure on board the plane? If it's a wax build-up and you're EXTREMELY careful, try a toothpick. Don't dig in or go hard though, just ease it in at the right angle. If you come up against any resistance stop immediately. I've successfully done this to clear wax build-ups, but I'd probably recommend seeing a doctor if you don't want to risk it with the toothpick.

 

[DoubleO7]

*Try yawning or swallowing to open the Eustachian tube (tube that links the pharynx to the middle ear).

*Try chewing gum.

*With a doctor's approval, adults can take a decongestant and/or nasal spray.

*You might try earplug-like devices called Earplanes which help regulate air pressure naturally.

*Try the Valsalva maneuver: Hold your nose and blow out gently to equalise the pressure.

 

[Punchy Bassett]

Try chewing gum.

This, but if it is that bad you really should see a doctor about it to make sure there isn't an underlying problem causing it.

Also living in Adelaide I feel for you, landing in Adelaide is one of the worst places in the world for it apparently.

 

[rdhopkins2]

I get it a bit and fly quite regularly, however on one landing into ADL it was shocking but I think due to a quicker than normal descent due to massive storm cells in the area.

 

[Schulzenfest]

When on the plane, chew gum. If it persists after landing (which it does for me) yawn a lot, you get a few annoying little pops first but it will eventually go away.

 

[CHBench]

*You might try earplug-like devices called Earplanes which help regulate air pressure naturally.

This. About $15 can get them at chemists or the newsagents at Airports. Can only use them twice but jesus are they good. Only need to keep them in for the take off and landing, you just got to make sure you screw them in properly.

Ive tried all the above, yawning, chewing gun, blocking the nose and blowing, lollipops, eucalyptus oil etc. Don't work for me at all.

 

[quiksilva]

This. About $15 can get them at chemists or the newsagents at Airports. Can only use them twice but jesus are they good. Only need to keep them in for the take off and landing, you just got to make sure you screw them in properly.

Ive tried all the above, yawning, chewing gun, blocking the nose and blowing, lollipops, eucalyptus oil etc. Don't work for me at all.

Agreed with Airplanes! Worth a purchase

 

[i_love_the_hoff]

Thanks guys.

Much appreciated.

 

[Punchy Bassett]

I get it a bit and fly quite regularly, however on one landing into ADL it was shocking but I think due to a quicker than normal descent due to massive storm cells in the area.

It isn't just that cause our Hills are so close to the CBD, planes have to descend more rapidly than a lot of other places in the world, which makes the ear situation worse less time to equalise the pressure.