For the last 2 times, coming home going east --> west I have pain in one ear.

Anybody experienced that? Probably because planes going in different direction fly on different levels.

What can be done about it? Sure, I'll call the doctor, but I want to hear from the Fodorites, too.

Probably pressure from fluid in the inner ear.

Consider an OTC antihistamine (although you shouldn't combine it with prescription antihistamine if you get one from the doc.) I prefer non-drowsy Claritin or clones thereof (=loratadine).

Don't make the mistake of taking a decongestant instead, though -- can actually kick up more more problems.

<i> Disclaimer for finger-shaking health police: be sure to consult your physician.</i>

Ear pain comes from unequal pressure on opposite sides of the ear. It can come from a temporary condition that blocks access to both sides to outside air, or it can be a permanent condition specific to the individual. If you're sick and it's blocking your ears (practically any respiratory illness will do this, and some others), avoid flying if you possibly can, and if you must fly, ask a doctor or pharmacist for something that can help keep your ears open. If it happens regularly even when you are not sick, see your doctor to find out why your ears are chronically causing trouble; it may be possible to do something to fix the problem.

One other thing: newer aircraft tend to have more precise pressurization systems with less of a range of cabin altitudes, and might be easier on your ears. It's hard to select specific aircraft when flying, though.

Talked to the doctor. For me, it's the sinus problem I'm having for years. Earache is only a symptom. He advised me how to adjust the meds before and during the flights.

Still strange, why I didn't feel it before, only on the last 2 flights.

Cabin pressure (altitude) is set by the pilots and has nothing to do with actual altitude. It is usually around 8000 feet no matter which way you are going. Believe me, if the cabin was at 37,000 feet you would be dead.

We had a bad experience on an AirFrance flight years ago. When approaching landing the pain was unbearable. A woman next to me was screaming.... The attendant grabed 2 cups, put some water in them, tossed in a paper towel to absorb the water -- and gave them to her, telling her to put the cups on her ears. It must have helped. She was relieved.

Have no idea what's the medical explanation to all this, but it helped.

I always CHEW GUM during the flight, especially when taking off and landing.

For years I dreaded flying - chewing gum helped, but not enough. My prescription nasal sprays did not solve the problem. I purchased little ear plugs called Car Planes at CVS, and they are great. I put them in as the plane pulls out from the gate, and I find that I don't need them once we clear 10,000 feet. When the plane first slows down on descent or when my ears start to feel weird, I put them back in for the landing.
Five bucks for Car Planes solved my problem, and they also come in children's size.

I have much more of a problem on planes with a steep rapid climb than on the slow gradual one. On the steep on I get bad shooting pain. On the slow ones my ears just get blocked for a while.

For the first time yesterday I had horrible ear pain in one ear during descent into Boston on flight Cincinnati-Boston. Could not clear my ear, and it was very painful. Today I wake up with a raging cold - that explains it. Any chance you were getting sick? Can't really see that direction of travel would cause it.

I am printing this... will buy those ear plugs. As I don't like medicine, don't want to use double-dose of meds.

Gail, no, both times I didn't get sick coming home.

Ear-plugs are great in general... They block 75% of the noise... Let you fall asleep much easier.

Faina -- I use Ear Planes. They really help with earaches in planes. I buy them at Wal Mart, here is a link to see what they look like:
http://tinyurl.com/347fz5

Thank you, Debi, I'll stop by a pharmacy today, as I don't like doctor's advice to over-medicate myself. I'm bad enough as it is

Ear plugs seem like they would work well if they fit snugly enough to delay the change in pressure a little. In any case, just the quieter environment that comes from ear plugs is worth it. It had not occurred to me to try wearing them on aircraft, although I wear them when I'm going somewhere with loud music and they work beautifully then.

A sudden climb should not bother your ears if the aircraft is pressurized properly. In older aircraft, the pilots (or even a separate flight engineer) must manually adjust the air pressure, and if they aren't very good at it, the pressure can change rapidly&mdash;too rapidly for the comfort of many passengers. Also, older aircraft can't keep the pressure as constant as newer aircraft. Newer aircraft use computers to adjust pressure automatically and minimize the extremes and slow the changes.

The higher the plane flies, the more the cabin pressure has to change during the flight. Since long-distance flights usually fly higher than short flights, it makes sense that U.S.-Europe flights would have the biggest pressure changes and would be more likely to create earaches. It depends on a couple of factors.

I bought Ear Planes - they are well designed, must be good for any size (do ears have sizes?), will report on using them.

I have had problems my whole life... had tubes as a kid, then lots of ear infections all the way through college, etc.

Had tubes put in again at 25 and the difference was amazing! If it ALWAYS hurts to fly I recommend tubes. Since tubes are gone the PA taught me to use an 'Afrin' type spray each time before descent... really works, no more need for lots of sudafed, gum, conscious yawning...

Good luck!

I find the smaller the plane, the more my ears ache. I once had a sore ear for two days after flying on one of those tiny ones. That was with chewing gum, too.
I now wear Ear Planes and chew gum (I get them ready well before ascending and descending). Seems to help.

Can't do Afrin. My meds is NasalCrom every day.

I'll try EarPlane, and I also read the breathing techinique: pinch your nose, open your mouth, get air in, close your mouth swallowing the air while still holding your nose. I'll try this too.

But it's weird, only one ear hurt and only on the way home (flying west).

Only once had ear ache. this was when the mother in law came on holiday with us

Only ear? you whole head didn't hurt?