painful ears

[mcneill]

When I have flown this last 2 or 3 times I got very painful ears. I there any way I can prevent this as it puts me off flying.

[sqad617]

Yes..Get a nasal decongestant spray eg Ephedrine or oxymetozaline and spray your nose 20mins before take off and 20mins before descent.

[Mrs Y]

I have always suffered dreadfully with my ears when flying. I've found that 'Earplanes' really help; they're like earplugs, but they help to reduce the problems of pressure changes within the ear. They're not too expensive, so might be worth a try?

[Panic Button]

On descent keep opening your jaw wide, as if in a big yawn. Also keep swallowing, and moving your jaw forward.

All these actions help to open the eustachian tubes, which equalise the pressure behind your eardrums.

[Miss-Ladybug]

Chewing gum and keeping the saliva going (on descent) also helps.
Try a vicks inhaler (or something stronger) too.

[waterboatman]

Hold your nose, keep your mouth closed and blow, you will feel the pressure in your ears being released. It's a trick I learned in the army. It works

[flyingpig]

Works for me too boatman.