blocked ears when flying

[bigjobs]

G'day,

i get pretty badly blocked ears when flying. i cannot equalise by holding my nose and mouth closed and then blowing out through my eustachian tubes. (i can't ever go scuba diving i am told cause of this!)

anyway, notmally i just use the good old 'ear planes' ear plugs and they work ok, only ok though. i am always on the lookout for something better.

i was flicking through the Qantas in-flight mag the other day and came across an ad for these:

Meniere's Disease - Enttex - N300

i am wondering if anyone has tried this or know some one who has. any experiences you can share will be great.

thanks in advance.

 

[jad01]

From a medical point of view u might like to discuss some medication options with your GP or pharmacist.

There are some tablets and nasal sprays that are used for nasal congestion, sinus problems etc that work by dilating the eustachian tubes.
Thus use of sech medications may relieve the symptoms you experience.

Many are designed for chronic/long term use to are safe for regular use and are available over the counter without prescription.

JASON

 

[garyjohn951]

I agree it is best to discuss with your doctor. I had the same problem for many years, but now I use a combination of tablets, a couple of days before for clearing the sinus and then if need a nasel spray, which I haven't had to use on last 2 RTW trips.

 

[The Hammer]

Honestly speaking, if you perform the Valsalva Technique (hold your nose and blow, and wait for your ears to "pop") it might not always work.
It is most effective on people who regularly exercise the membrame that separates the inner and outer ear - the "ear drum".
Like any tissue, the more often it is exercised, the more "elastic" it becomes.

Thus, with a Frequent Flyer...the article continues here:
PIREP.org :: View topic - Clearing your ears when flying - the Valsalva Manouevre