ear problems and flying

[Arkiegirl]

I have a DS--13 yrs old who has never flown. He has a history of severe ear problems. He gets ear infections easily, fluid build up, etc. Also he has significant scar tissue and everything just doesnt work right. What can I do this week to prevent any flare ups before and during the flight. We leave a week from today

 

[JodyTG]

I would contact his doctor right away. There may be something that he can give you son that would help out. I've always been told to take a decongestant to help, but the doctor may know of something better.

I can, though, advise against using those EarPlanes some people like. They're uncomfortable and seemed to cause my DD's ears to hurt worse.

 

[DisneyHumbug]

My doctor recommended that I take Claritin 24 hours before my flight. It helped me last time - I had no ear pain.
My DS (who refused to go to the doctor before our last flight - he's 21!) used Earplanes and said they were great!

 

[fran99999]

I also have the same issues. I was deaf for 3 years when I was 6 until I was almost 10 due to an ear infection. I also have significant scar tissue. I take daily allergy meds to keep the flow moving in my ear canals. I would talk to his doctor and have the ears checked out about 2 days proir to flying. My doctor tells me to just come in and have the NP take a look. I fly frequenly so I call up the day prior. I have never been charged nor do I get an appointment. If you have an accomodating DR he/she will do this for you. If they do see anything this will give U 2 days to get the meds in so the flight will be more pleasant for both of you. I have had the start of an infection and by flight time it was under control so "no problem".

Does your son get these from allergies. Most of my ear infections now are due to my sinuses blocking up from allergies and back tracking into my ear canal as they use the same pathway to the back of the throat. I use a daily allergy med and have cut my infections down to 5 or 6 a year. Much better than every month. LOL I have also gotten a lot less strep throats. I used to think it was just me. Yes I have my tonsils as I dont get the sore throat that usually accompanies the strep as mine is because of the ear/sinus infections. Actually when my tonsils flare up, it tells me I have an infection. If these were removed I would probably only know I have the infections when it got so bad I lost my hearing again. This has occured several times over the years. I hope your son NEVER has these issues but with severe scar tissues it could very well happen as the scar tissue masks the pain points and lessens his hearing so he may not know when his hearing is disapating. My kids tell me to go to the Dr for checkups when they notice they have to look at me for me to understand them. I read lips and dont even know I do it when my hearing starts to go. LOL

So if any of you see me at DW and you are talking about me I may be seeing everything you say.

 

[ducklite]

I would contact his doctor right away. There may be something that he can give you son that would help out. I've always been told to take a decongestant to help, but the doctor may know of something better.

I can, though, advise against using those EarPlanes some people like. They're uncomfortable and seemed to cause my DD's ears to hurt worse.

I use Ear Planes. I wear the children's size, the adult size hurt my ears. Could that have been the problem?

Anne

 

[FigmentGuy]

I triead earplanes also. They seemed to hurt more then help for me also. Do regular earplugs help at all? I have a homeopathic over the counter ear drop solution that I use. It reduces inflamations, irritation etc. Soon as I land I put some of that in, and use an ice pack on my ears. That seemed to help the swelling/irritation. Also the good old chewing gum helped during take off/landing. I think everybodys ears behave differently, and its only trial that you can find out what works for you. I say take everyones advice and keep trying the different ones till one hopefully works! Wishing you and your little one the best!!!

 

[miss missy]

I have a DS--13 yrs old who has never flown. He has a history of severe ear problems. He gets ear infections easily, fluid build up, etc. Also he has significant scar tissue and everything just doesnt work right. What can I do this week to prevent any flare ups before and during the flight. We leave a week from today

My DD had A LOT of what you discribed. She flew with no problem 3 times so far. The Dr suggested Sudafed 24 hrs before... check with your Dr on that. And chew chew chew!!!

 

[tkldisney]

I'd check in with Dr. just to make sure all is ok and get any suggestions they have.

 

[Gary M]

EarPlanes work very well for me.

 

[Snoozan]

I would recommend the Earplanes - get the children's size, if he doesn't have big ears. I only wear the kids' size ones and swear by them. I usually wear them for all of my 2 1/2 hour trip.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

I have the same problem with my ears when I Fly or go Scuba Diving.

I take a SUDAFED an hour before the Flight or the Dive and just before the plane takes off or I jump in the water I use AFRIN Nasal spray, 2 or 3 blasts up each nostral. It opens up everything and works for me every time.

Of course it's always good to check with a doctor YOU TRUST.
Good Luck.