We get a bit harrassed at work if we are sick too many times, but if you are sick you are sick. I blew an eardrum a few years ago due not off loading myself. It was messy and it damaged my hearing perm.
My advise: First sign of illness, get yourself home. airplanes and hotels are no place to be when you are going down with something. (except if you are in PER and work for DJ - they'll put you on the bus. I will always get myself back to the east coast before I go sick!)
I use ear candles to clean my ears. Gross, but get most of the FOD outta your ears.