Ear Aches on airplanes?

Question

I recently took my family to Europe. We got home saturday night after a pretty rough landing. My 6 year old has been complaining since then that his ear has been hurting. I took him to the pediatrician today and they said nothing was wrong and to let it pass, but I feel like there is more to it, otherwise he wouldn't be complaining about it this much. What do you think? Could it be from the plane ride? My ears hurt while we were landing, but my 5 month old and 3 year old didn't make a noise. Just me and my 6 year old had problems.

Answer 1

It could be a problem associated with a pressure imbalance - the rough landing is irrelevant, though. Encourage your child to swallow (drinking is good, as is sucking a sweet).

A&E, though? This so isn't an emergency. Don't waste their time.

Answer 2

The pressure might not be fully back to normal in his ears. I went to Greece in April and when we landed in Athens my ears were throbbing because we landed quickly and my ears hurt for 3 days afterwards. I couldn't hear quite all the way, it was like I had water in it (even though they were completely dry). Then at dinner on the third night, they popped and were back to normal. This happened again after we landed in Detroit on the way home, and it's fine.

Answer 3

Its common for that to happen, it effects some of us more than others and can last for a good amount of time! Have him chew gum alot... chewing constantly actually changes the air pressure in the ear.

Answer 4

Take him to a different doctor, There is obviously a problem. If you dont have a different doctor, I would take him to A&E.

Answer 5

Landing really hurts my ears but i bought some special ear plugs and suck on sweets or chew chewing gum and that normally helps me

Answer 6

It can take a few days to adjust.  I had horrible problems with my ears on a few flights.  The pressure just affects some more than others.  If the pediatrician examined him and said that there is no infection I would not worry.  Give him some tylenol to help with the plane and some gum to chew.  The chewing may help his ears pop and regulate the pressure.

Like I said,  each person is different.  I can't even be driving in the car and have someone roll down a window without my ears being affected.  Everyone has their own level of sensitivity.