Maggi

Since our children flew the coup five years ago we have indulged our passion for travel. Two months ago, my husband experienced a sudden, complete hearing loss in his right ear, accompanied by severe dizziness, which has prevented him working. He often has trouble with ear pain on flights. We have tried various things, but so far nothing helps. We asked the doctor if frequent flying caused the deafness, he said no one knows what causes this syndrome (officially called Sudden Nerve Hearing Loss). Understandably, my husband is now extremely loathe to fly again for fear of increased pain and/or problems with his other ear. I have been very interested in this thread (thanks posha) and will print it out for him.

Laura02fan

I learned this from a flight attendent and have been told it is used by scuba divers, just hold ur nose and blow out. I have been doing that for about 20 years, and I have NEVER had a problem since. I am unsure if it is unsafe, so do it carefully.

jacsing

A few years ago I was flying out of London, (with a head cold) could not avoid the trip. Since then I have had ear problems, ringing in the ears, pain sometimes that is horrible! I avoided plane travel, as long as I could. Then #1 daughter moved to Dallas area. 5 hour flight for us. After seeing a few medical docs, I pretty much, decided to seek alternate forms of help. Starting with accupuncture, which sometimes helps, along with herbs. Why am I going on about this? Please if you have a cold think twice about flying.
I now have my own things that work pretty well for me. Ear plugs inserted 1 hour before departure. Chewing gum and sipping water, especially as we are experiencing any change in cabin pressure. It is the constant swallowing of water that makes the difference for me.Hope this helps.