Should I see the doctor about this problem I had on the airplane?

Question

Last week Wednesday I flew out of Detroit to Portland, OR. And on the ascend my ears were popping like crazy and towads the descend the pressure in my ears was so horrible that it felt like and earache but worse. Yesterday I flew out of Seattle back to Detroit and the same thing happened. I knew it was coming but there was nothing I could do about it. I tried listening to music, chewing gum, rubbing my ears nothing helped. I was doing some research on the internet and I found that I have either a blockage in my eustachian tubes or they tubes are too small. Should I see a doctor about this and what would they do? Because I'm flying back out there in a year and I don't want to go through the same thing again.

Answer 1

I think that you should see a doctor just to be on the safe side to make sure you don't have any type of long term hearing damage. I know that its normal to have a popping in your ears when you climb or descend, but honestly I'd go get it checked out. I hope things work out for the best!

Answer 2

My son has exactly the same problem, and had to fly last week.  At the airport (pharmacy or shop, not sure) he said he found some little earplugs called 'EarPlanes' which actually worked in preventing the pain and eased the ear-popping.  They work by equalising the pressure in the ears somehow.  So that might be worth looking for.  

Answer 3

this happens to me sometimes in my right ear.  i cant sit on that side of the plane, especially near the window it seems. on my return trip i sat in an aisle seat on the left side of the plane and didnt have that problem.  it has been 2 months since i traveled and sometimes my ear still pops;. they sell earplanes in the drug stores or in the airport that may help.

also, my son had this happen his last flight and he had the candlewax cleaning done and got alot of wax or residue come out of the ear and he felt better.  maybe just a build up of wax.  you can let your dr. check it out thought to be sure.

Answer 4

If you're worried about it, then by all means go to the doctor.  You may have some excess wax that needs to be removed.

Most likely the cause was some mild sinus congestion either due to a mild upper respiratory tract infection or from allergies.  Your sinuses are air filled cavities located in your face and near your ears.  If air can't move freely between the sinus cavities then you can experience pain as the pressure builds.  A decongestant such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Benedry or even Dimetapp can help minimize any congestion.

To help ease pressure on your ears when you fly you can try pinching your nose closed and then blowing your nose *gently* (keep your mouth closes).  Pilots and flight attendants and even scuba divers do this to help their ears equalize.

Answer 5

ooh....that must have been painful.

Just as a precaution, go to your general doctor first, he will have a look. Then he may recommend going to an ear, nose and throat doctor.

Dont forget it is normal for ears to pop...but 'to pop like crazy' seems like there could be something wrong. The first few times I went onto an aircraft (first 3 or 4 times), my ears did pop crazy too...i have goten used to it now.

But yeah, see your doctor.