My ear won't go back to normal after the plane ride.?

Question

My ears are extremely sensitive to air pressure, especially when it is changing rapidly. When I am on a descending plane, my ears hurt so bad I could cry, and it usually takes 24-48 hours for them to pop and my hearing will then return to normal. (Chewing gum on the plane or using EarPlanes does not work.)

It's been a week now though that I have been off of the plane, and my left ear still hasn't popped yet - I can barely hear through it. Does anyone that goes through this have any tips for me on popping my ears?

I've had a cold the past couple of days too. I know this is probably contributing to the problem.

Answer 1

you probably have waxy build up in your ear go to a ear doctor to have them flushed out

Answer 2

Try sweet oil.

Warm up a mug of hot water

Place the closed bottle of sweet oil down in the mug

Test the oil on a finger make sure its not too hot

Drip it into your ear canal and let it stay there for about a min

clean out with a q tip and try strectching your jaw out

Good luck

if this doesnt work then you might want to see the doc make sure everything is ok ,  

Answer 3

When you go up, the air pressure drops in your ears.  When you go down, the air pressure needs to return.  There is a trick that divers do to equalize pressure in ears when descending, as you did in the airplane when you land.  You pinch your nose, and then attempt to blow air out your nose.  This causes back pressure that can force the air back into your ear canal.

You might try some over-the-counter decongestant medicine, like Mucinex.  Look for a combination of Phenylephrine or Pseudoephedrine (to widen air passages), and Guaifenisin (liquifies the mucus in your passages so it will drain out and clear the passage).   Also, drink LOTS of watter.

If the problem continues, check with your doctor to see if you have a low-grade sinus infection.

Answer 4

Step 1) go to the pharmacy, buy some Sudafed, and take it. Preferably the 12 hour kind. This dries out your mucus membranes, shrinking the swelling in your ears that is caused by the cold. Once the pressure has equalized, you won't need to take any more Sudafed this time.

Step 2) EVERY time hereafter when you fly, take a 12 hour (NOT 4-6 hour) Sudafed an hour before flying, so that you hopefully will prevent the pain of the pressure build up in future.

This pressure build up is VERY BAD for your ears, and can rupture your ear drum and cause permanent damage.