Sympathies.....there are loads of threads on hear about blocked ears, problems equalising etc.
I have the same problem and it is looking like it will probably cost me my job. It just won't go away. It doesn't necessarily mean you have an infection either although you will probably have discussed that with your GP. Here are some of the things I tried, although I would suggest you get medical advice BEFORE tying anything else as I am not medically qualified!
Obviously try steam inhalation, that might shift the mucus.
Nasal sprays - Nasonex or Flixonase. Could try a good dose of Otrovine but can only use it for a week I think.
Also, expectorants (e.g. Benadryl) are designed to work on chesty coughs but can also loosen mucus elsewhere.
Drink LOADS of water - if you are well hydrated it can help it run out.
Ear Candles - bit crazy - didn't work for me but you never know.
Acupuncture.
Herbal remedies to open up the tubes - tried loads but can't remember the names...a good herbalist will help you.
Cut out dairy, alcohol, starchy foods and load up on fruit and veggies....all can create mucus (search for "mucus forming foods" on Google).
Get your GP to do allergy tests and food intolerance tests for the same reason.
A last resort is getting grommets in - ventilation tubes in your eardrum to equalise when your eustachain tube won't...can cause long term hearing loss though so you really need to think hard before embarking on this. Some specialists will say it doesn't but do your research...they will fall out and repeated re-insertion (especially if it is a longer tem grommet or a "t-tube") can leave a permanent hole (perforation) which leads to hearing loss and requires more surgery to repair. Not sure if this repair returns your hearing to normal though.
Your GP can't help - their training only goes as far as glue ear in children and dispensing antibiotics, nasal sprays etc. Go see an ENT specialist.
None of this stuff worked for me but I hope you will have more luck. I am of the opinion that once your tube is blocked, there is very little you can do to clear it. The gunk gets up there and just sits in the tube I'm afraid.
Keep us posted though - good luck. I hope you get back flying soon.
Last edited by Tip tank; 3rd Oct 2007 at 17:11.