Need suggestions for relieving ear pressure from plane rides

[Bete]

For myself, I can do it by chewing gum or swallowing. The person I'm trying to help will not have the abilities to really understand to do the same. For one, the gum chewing is out because this person has no teeth and doesn't wear dentures; they gum their food and it has to be soft food.

To add insult to injury it will be their first flight. Comprehension is not the best; so, I need something easy.

So, what have you done that works in this regard?

 

[PebblesMK]

For myself, I can do it by chewing gum or swallowing. The person I'm trying to help will not have the abilities to really understand to do the same. For one, the gum chewing is out because this person has no teeth and doesn't wear dentures; they gum their food and it has to be soft food.

To add insult to injury it will be their first flight. Comprehension is not the best; so, I need something easy.

So, what have you done that works in this regard?

Try these out, they helped my daughter. http://www.google.com/products/cata...og_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQ8wIwAw#

You should be able to get them at walmart or any other drug store.

 

[Bete]

delete

 

[Bete]

Try these out, they helped my daughter. http://www.google.com/products/cata...og_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQ8wIwAw#

You should be able to get them at walmart or any other drug store.

Do you know if your daughter was able to hear okay using them? This person has some loss of hearing; so, it may be problematic, here. Thanks

 

[clanmcculloch]

We also use EarPlanes. They're GREAT!!! They do limit hearing a little bit but not a lot. For a person with some loss of hearing that may be a bit problematic if they don't know it's coming, but you really only need them when going up and down. At cruising altitude you can take them out. IMO it's SO worth it for the relief from the pain. You can also get them online from amazon.com.

One thing though. Am I remembering correctly that this is for a parent with alzheimers? The problem I'd worry about is whether this person will ALLOW something to be put in her ears in the first place. I'd suggest trying them out at home first. The last thing you'd want is a meltdown on the plane because of having somebody try to put something in her ears.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

What about giving her a drink to drink during take-off and landing?

I'd have the same concern as the PP that she might not react well to something going in her ears.

 

[Bete]

We also use EarPlanes. They're GREAT!!! They do limit hearing a little bit but not a lot. For a person with some loss of hearing that may be a bit problematic if they don't know it's coming, but you really only need them when going up and down. At cruising altitude you can take them out. IMO it's SO worth it for the relief from the pain. You can also get them online from amazon.com.

One thing though. Am I remembering correctly that this is for a parent with alzheimers? The problem I'd worry about is whether this person will ALLOW something to be put in her ears in the first place. I'd suggest trying them out at home first. The last thing you'd want is a meltdown on the plane because of having somebody try to put something in her ears.

You are exactly right on the Alzheimer's here. I will try out anything ahead of time even medication.

 

[peemagg]

I have found a antihistamine to help with the ears. I also second giving them something to drink, especially something with a straw or a sports top bottle. Anything to create a sucking action should help immensly.

 

[elcodfish]

I have a lot of ear problems, antihistamines help a lot, but can make you tired as well, and cranky. What I do now is about 45 minutes before the flight take motrin to help keep down the pressure as well as a couple sprays of afrin in each nostril.

 

[EpcotQueen]

I yawn alot. Since yawning is contagious, yawn 'at' the person.

 

[Nadjalu]

I have these issues and swallowing doesn't work very well for me either. So my ENT suggested taking something like Sudafed 2 hours before the flight. Also using a nasal spray such as Afrin (as PP said) helps.

You can use these in combo to get maximum benefit.

So 2 hours before the Sudafed, and an hour before the Afrin.

I also found that flying in the front of the plane works better for me than flying in the rear or over an engine. (not sure why)

 

[freepixie]

I do a nasal spray - for me specifically is Nasonex - I start taking it a few weeks ahead of time, and continue to take it thru the vacation - I haven't had any ear troubles since!

 

[michelle0112]

Earplanes work great. Everytime I fly..I buy a pair of them. They help relieve ear pressure. As you go up or coming down it helps from pressure build up.. I love them!! I took mine out as soon as we were level.

 

[Janell]

Im not sure this will be helpful. I have a problem even as an adult with air pressure in the planes. I take a decongestant starting 3-4 days before a flight and on the day of the flight. It really helps.

 

[charminghearts]

Start them on non-drowsy sudafed 24 hours before your flight. Take some motrin a half hour before taking off and also afrin or some other nasal spray before take off and landing. If they will tolerate earplanes they help a LOT.

 

[Bete]

Your suggestions are great.

I think if I wear a pair of earplanes my mom will do it, too. I'll be prepared with the other ways to help, as well.