Ear pressure problems

[7006 fan]

I fly pressurised 4/5 times a year and invariably I get pressure problems in the lug-holes, usually it lasts but a day or so, but when coming in to land it travels from one ear to the other sometimes popping (which is a relief) other times not. sometimes the pain has been so acute I have had blurred vision, a feeling of balance loss (not due to the in-flight drinkies!) and my eyes have watered from the pain. I am keen to fly, but this state worries me. I have has syringing but after a couple of days I feel waxed up again. It is a real pain and is also noticable if I drive up a steep hill, the Doctors have stuck things in my ear to no avail. even now the darn thing is cracking and popping.

[Loose rivets]

Do you hold your nose closed and blow on the way down?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Try Ear Planes - patented pressure reducing ear plugs. You can still hear when they're in and they really do work. All her life my wife has suffered with ear problems when flying - I've seen her banging her head on the seat in front with pain. Docs (including my AMEs) suggested all sorts of things - sniffing nasal decongestants at TOD... blowing, sucking, etc., but nothing worked until she tried Ear Planes. Now she only suffers minor discomfort if it's a rapid descent, otherwise no problems at all.

I have no commercial interest in the product (unfortunately)!

[gingernut]

7006, syringing your ears is unlikeky to help, as it sounds as if your problems are due to expansion of air in the inner ear.

This expansion of air is usually vented by a small tube leading to the back of the throat, but for some reason, this is clogged in your case.

Holding your nose, and blowing may help, also chewing and yawning works for some people.

In my opinion, decongestents may make things worse, due to their rebound effect, but others may disagree.

[7006 fan]

Thanks all