Why did I have these pains?

Question

While on a four hour flight, I fell asleep for a bit, then woke up to excruciating pain in both of my ears. I could feel the immense pressure built up in my ears, and could not relieve this pressure as i normally do by swallowing with my mouth open, yawning, etc. I could also barely hear. This lasted for a while, even after the plane landed. I have been having a metallic taste in my mouth for a few days. Could it be related to a CSF leak?

Answer 1

I wouldn't  be related to CSF leak  The pressure in almost all of the planes are pressured now to 8,000 feet above the sea level even if you are flying at 43,000 feet , it's being adjusted automatically as you are climbing or descending . At that level people  can breathe comfortably but not if were just a few feet above the sea level . It's recommended that you drink water during a flight as you are dehydrating while flying  . Most of the problem or if may call it the inconvenience came from when the plane was descending on it's final landing approach . What you have experienced is normal perhaps may the more exarcebated as you aren't a frequent flyer . I do fly to Asia constantly from Detroit and the flights are 25 to 26 flying time and sometime more depending on the weather . I still experience what you did and may be not as severe as you did describe it . Most aircraft that are being built today will be pressurized at 6,000 feet which will be much more relaxing and less dehydrating for the passengers during flyng time and much less ear popping before landing . As well during your flight it could be that it wasn't pressurizing properly .