Airplane flights and ear pressure

[gary.s]

I recently flew from Arizona to Wisconsin and spent four days on the ground before flying back to Arizona. The pressure in my AN ear was okay during the flights, but the air pressure changes during landings caused a lot of pain on the AN side. It took an additional two days after flying for the pressure in my AN ear to decrease and for the noises and squishing sounds to mellow out. Wondering if anyone else has had this experience.

[Petrone]

I'd highly recommend using ear plugs when flying.  Buy a cheap pack of foam ear plugs at any pharmacy and use them whenever you fly (also get in the habit of using ear plugs when mowing the lawn, blowing snow, firing guns, etc., anything loud).  If you forget to buy ear plugs when flying, you can buy an overpriced pair at any airport. Too many of us ANers still insist on listening to Hotel California on ITunes for the millionth time while flying. Bad idea. Use ear plugs and read a good book instead.  You might still experience the normal ear pain from the change in pressure, but your recovery will go from days to hours.  Be proactive about protecting your hearing.  Be well.     

[gary.s]

Thanks for the information Petrone. I will start using ear plugs when flying and hopefully I will recover from the pressure changes more quickly.

I actually do wear ear protection when doing anything that is loud, including vacuuming, blowing leaves and working with power tools. I am trying desperately to protect my good ear and whatever hearing I have left in my AN ear. It makes sense that AN people should wear ear protection when flying. thanks