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how to get rid of ear discomfort from airplane rides - Page 3

post #31 of 35
3/4/10 at 2:05pm
^ Oh my, oh my!
I am quite sure that would cure the problem, although cause other problems though.
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post #32 of 35
3/4/10 at 2:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by immtbiker View Post
On a more serious note, you can do what us scuba divers do. As the plane starts to descend, pinch your nose closed with your fingers, close your mouth and gently push the air out toward your nose. You will equalize the pressure in your head equal to the cabin pressure. If you hear a "squeak" in your ears and things sound a little louder, you will know that it's working.
When diving and headed to the bottom, you have to do this every 3-6 feet during your descent.

Also, take a decongestant, like a Sudafed (non-drowsy) 6 hours before your flight, and another one about 45 minutes before the plane starts to lose altitude, even if you don't have a cold or allergies. The pain might be caused from some sort of sinus congestion.

He is 100% right, that's how I do it too. But DON'T do this if you have running noise, because there is chance you pump nasal mucus into your ears that will cause inflammation. The worse case, you will lose hearing, which is bad ju ju for a head-fier.
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post #33 of 35
3/4/10 at 3:59pm
I have a horrible time on planes due to chronic sinus problems. Unfortunately the decongestants nor the gun really help me. A friend recently recommended these:Ear Planes I picked up a pair recently but haven't done any flying since. I will test them out in about a month or so. Hopefully they will help a lot!
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post #34 of 35
3/4/10 at 4:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by santacore View Post
I have a horrible time on planes due to chronic sinus problems. Unfortunately the decongestants nor the gun really help me. A friend recently recommended these:Ear Planes I picked up a pair recently but haven't done any flying since. I will test them out in about a month or so. Hopefully they will help a lot!
Wow, fanncy ear plugs. "Drug free" I like that!
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post #35 of 35
3/4/10 at 6:18pm
I have used "Ear Planes" and they do work as advertised. I stopped using them after getting good success with the other methods below.

The "Valsalva Maneuver" (Blowing against a closed nose) works if your are not too congested at the time, but can be a little disconcerting if you aren't sure how hard to blow.

The "Toynbee Maneuver" is a gentler version, done by swallowing with a pinched nose/

The "Frenzel Manuever" has worked best for me, and involves stretching the jaw down and forward to pull open your eustachean tubes.

There a decent summary of all of them here.

Chewing gum, taking small sips of water with frequent swallows, and eating an apple on descent are all helpful too. The jaw motion helps flex and open your eustachean tubes.

Pseudoephedrine can help too, forget about antihistamines. And avoid flying altogether (if you can) if you have so much congestion that your head feels full before you take off.
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