leaving in 2 week and i would like to know how to avoid pressure in my ears during change in altitude. the pain is like ravors cutting through my eardrums and sometimes lasts weeks after my trip. i have heard of some earplugs to buy and i am wondering if they work? what else can i try?

chew gum

A friend who frequently flew on small prop planes said to soak paper towels in very hot water, put in a plastic cup and hold the cup against your ear. That would relieve the pressure/pain. When our son was young we would have him drink with a straw during take off.

I've used "ear planes" on several occasions. Once on UAL from HI my ears hurt for a couple days after. i got the earplanes and now don't have a prob. They sort of screw into the ear. Only thing is I don't know if I would not have had a prob if I didn't use them.

Take an antihistamine before hand and when you are landing or taking off snort some Afrin up both nostrils...

Mel
The Afrin works wonders! I had the same problem until I discovered this. Take off is no problem, but the landing is very painful! I now snif Afrin about an hour or two before landing and it works EVERY time.

I agree use three approaches and do them all on each plane ride: Afrin nasal spray, earplanes and chew gum. They are in my travel bag so I don't forget them.

totally agree with the afrin posters...hate the stuff, but it works wonders. i usually get ear infections everytime i fly, but afrin has solved that problem.

Ear planes really help me.

I also agree Afrin works. My Doc told me about it and now I swear by it.

Question for Afrin users:

CD says he uses it an hour before take-off and landing. Is that when you use it?

I usually don't have problems at take-off, but as soon as the plane starts descending, it hurts.

Buttercup
I only use the Afrin and hour or so BEFORE landing. I also have no problem with take off. It is a life saver!

I have ALWAYS had extreme ear pain when flying. My doctor recommeded a decongestant (over the counter). I start taking it per directions the night before flying and the whole flight. Have not had any problem whatsoever since. It works great. Good luck.

Amtrak...1-800-USA Rail

I've tried everything for my daughter, decongestant, etc. The only thing that works are those miraculous Ear Planes.

About ten years ago my doctor prescribed Sudafed and Afrin. Works every time, I wouldn't fly without them.

- One Sudafed one hour before flight time.

- Three spray of Afrin in each nostril l/2 hour before boarding.

- Three sprays of Afrin in each nostril l/2 hour before landing.
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For shorter flights, three sprays of Afrin in each nostril, l/2 before boarding. (No Sudafed)

He also recommends an over the counter Saline nasel spray to be used during the flights, as often as needed.

Geesh, to think I just suffered through the ear pain, believing it was heriditary. (my grandmother couldnt fly at all after age 50, and I am the only one in the family with this problem now)I always thought it was just young kids and older people who had this problem. Some flights I have no problem, then on others I cant stand the pain. Tried the gum chewing etc and none of it worked. I will try the Afrin suggestion now! Also, can someone please tell me what Ear Planes are? Do you get them at a drugstore or from a doctor?

You can get Ear Planes at the drug store in the aisle for ear care products. I have always taken Benedryl about an hour before landing. That pain (when it happens) is like a knife stabbing inside my ear.

Gee, Has noone tried this technique to equalize pressure in the ars. It works for me every single time.
Plug your nostrils by pinching your nostrils with your fingers. While doing this, blow into your nostrils but do not release your pinch. Keeping your pinch, swallow. This should release all pressure in your ears. If not repeat again.

Lucinda,
The pain I'm talking about (and I assume the rest of the posters also) is not just pressure in the ears. I have tried what you said and every other technique known to man. When the plane is descending and reaches a certain altitude (it doesn't always happen), it's like someone has stabbed a knife deep in my ears. I have actually screamed out in pain because it has surprised me. It really scared me the first time it happenes. I have had pressure in my ears many times, but this is something totally different.