Sky divers?
Several posts on this thread have suggested that descents in excess of 500-2000 fpm may create severe discomfort. I am wondering how this squares with the experience of sky divers.
It is my understanding that a sky diver may reach vertical speeds of 120-200 mph -- which equate to descents of between 10,560 and 17,600 fpm. While I know high altitude freefall sky diving is hazardous, it is not as uncommon as one would presume if it was a guaranteed ticket to severe physical discomfort and hearing loss.
Because this post deals more with general medical aspects of flight than the particular BA descent that precipitated this thread, I will not be insulted if this query is moved to a different forum.