I am quite interested to know what redfred is actually doing in this thread. He is clearly not cabin crew or a pilot.
This one-size fits all policy is just ridiculous. It's like telling a builder he has to work with a broken leg, because a guy in the office doing the accounts is.
Maybe people should check out this link
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/ent/203128.html for some information on what happens if you fly with blocked ears.
By the way, most cabin crew I know will do everything possible to avoid getting blocked ears/colds. For a start it's very uncomfortable, but it also can lead to long periods off work when we make no money.