Hearing
 

Hi. While I have no problems with my hearing in general, during my life experience of over 100 airline flights, on decending in two I have had painful ears and reduced hearing, usually when I've had a cold. It strikes me that this must be a problem for profeesional pilots? How is this avoided - use of decongestants or is it indicative of a potential problem?

Yes I understand that thanks. My main interest is whether this affects the professional pilot. Are you simply grounded when you are suffering from a cold?