Tips for sensitive adult ears on airplanes?
 

My husband has incredible ears for music and bird songs, but big problems with pressure change when flying. It seems to be a congestion/tympanic membrane issue, and bothers him for a week afterwards. Has anyone else dealt with this? Short of sending him over on the QE2, any suggestions?

When I learned to SCUBA dive, I taught myself (by necessity) to open my Eustachian tubes at will. It's impossible to explain how to do it (like wiggling one's ears), but it's a skill well worth mastering.

When I ruptured an eardrum (unrelated to diving), I could blow smoke out my right ear.

My young adult daughter has the same problems. We've tried the special ear plugs for airplanes, which may have helped (who knows?). The last time she flew home, her ear drum almost ruptured. It was very tender the next day, even. We used the pediatrician's trick of using slightly warmed olive oil, a few drops into each ear using an eye-dropper. We did this a couple of times over 10 or so hours. It helped relieve the pressure. It must be a drainage problem, or something. Next time she flies, we'll try the olive oil method a couple of days before she takes off. She has also had some good luck with Mucinex, to promote drainage. What about taking an OTC med to help with congestion and drainage?

If it's the change in air pressure that bother him, there are special earplugs that are supposed to help with that (no personal experience with them though since it's not a problem for me). Look in your drugstore for them. Here's an example: http://tinyurl.com/h2vcc

A couple of years ago I had problems similar to Maureen's daughter and my doctor recommended OTC antihistamine (Benadryl). I ended up not taking it because Benadryl makes me jittery so it was an uncomfortable flight. I don't know if this might help your husband.

The special ear plugs are called EarPlanes. I have used them 3 or 4 times and they work pretty well. Supposedly each pair is good for two take offs and landings (but who knows, that may just be marketing to get one to buy more)

I've seen them in drug store, luggage shops, etc.

I find if I chew gum during take off and on descent and use the EarPlanes I don't have to valsalvo (holding your nose and blowing to clear your ears) like I used to on most flights.

janicj, do these earplugs block noise too?

yes - a bit, just like those cheap foam rubber ear plugs (which don't help w/ the pressure)

Not as good as noise cancelling headphones but a LOT better than nothing.

Thanks. I looked at the link too. I think I've seen this at Target; worth a try.

I have had pain from altitude pressure all my life. The following has helped me a great deal.

As soon as getting on the plane use "AFRIN" masal spray in both nostrils. Use according to directions.

Then about 2 hours before landing I take
"SUDAFED" pills. According to directions.

On short flights I take them both upon boarding.

Valsalva maneuver. It's capitalized because it's a proper name.

I have one of those "cannot be diagnosed or cured" inner ear problems. You have to hope for the best and pray that any "symptoms" subside sooner rather than later.

My doctor directed me to take something like Sudafed one half hour before take-off and to use a squirt of Afrin as well. That seems to do the trick, but I always chew gum to be on the safe side.

When you feel the pressure beginning to blow up, pinch your nostrils together and slowly swallow a glass of water. That will help at least a little.

I second the EarPlanes. Never had a problem since using them. Put them in before take off and landing. Good for about 3-4 take offs before losing effectiveness.

Lotrimin is a brand of ear drops that used to do wonders for me while in the air. Also (and double check this because it was my idea when I was 12 and I didn't run it past anyone), I have dropped Anbesol into my ears before to just numb the inner ear completely.

Now that I fly so much, my ears don't bother me at all. Going up they actually feel really good adjusting to the pressure, and once on the ground, I just block my nose and blow, readjusting them manually.

The only time I've flown without the Earplanes, my ears were blocked for hours afterward and it was beginning to give me a horrible headache. Finally, I know this will sound a bit strange but it worked, my friend read aloud to me and as I concetrated on really listening to her voice in a quiet room. It relieved the pressure quickly. Maybe it was natural time for the pressure to be relieved or maybe it was Vassar Miller.

matnik -- you take the ear planes out during flight? thanks

Hi S,

I have ear problems, which can be relieved by a nasal decongestant before boarding and another shot before landing.

I also chew gum on takeoff and landing.

((I))

I use the EarPlanes religiously and have ever since they came out several years ago. They really work for me. You can take them out once you are at cruising altitude and put them back in again just before the descent begins. I have small ears so they get uncomfortable after a while; I definitely take them out once we're at cruising altitude.