Airline pressure valve, decompression

[dhud64]

Anybody out there know anything about airline decompression? <br />My ears have always been sensitive when flying, even though I chew gum, pop ears etc... but have been able to deal with it. Some time ago we went to Vegas and my ears hurt so bad I was almost in tears. I got no relief from popping my ears or chewing gum yawning, etc. <br />I guy I work with said if the ...pressure relief valve in the airliner is not changed often enough it can cause this type of thing.<br />I'm curious because we are going to Vegas again pretty soon and dread the thought of this happening again. I also have considered the fact that Vegas sits in a hole and the plane has to descend quicker than in most other places.<br />If this is true, is there a way to verify that the plane's relief valve has been properly maintained without pissing off the crew?<br />Any ideas?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

I had to fly at least twice a week, sometimes a lot more for many years and have sensitive ears. Here are two ways to prevent painful ears when flying:<br /><br />PINCH & BLOW<br /><br />As soon as you feel the pressure building when you begin to descend, pinch your nose and blow gently until your ears pop. That causes the pressure to equalize and problem to go away. <br /><br />As you continue to descend and the pressure builds again, do it again, the moment you feel it. I do it maybe 3 times during the landing<br /><br />SUDAFED<br />If you have tried the pinch mehod and it does not work for you for some reason, start taking Sudafed a couple of days before your trip as directed. Take your flying day dose about 30 min before the plane starts its descent. <br /><br />I have yet to find a person the Sudafed does not help.

 

[dhud64]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

Sudafed!<br />Anything is worth a try.<br />Thanks

 

[revertmastec]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

My wife and daughter are real sesitive to flying. They came across a product called ear planes. They are a earplug that limits the amount of pressure entering the ear. Something like that but they love them and say it help alot.Here is a link to them they are found in most big pharmay's. Good luck earplanes

 

[roscoe]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

I had to fly with a bad sinus/ear infection, doctor told me to use a decongestant nasal spray.<br />It worked ok. It works even better if you don't have an infection. Won't fly without it.

 

[DJ]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

dhud,<br /><br />I agree with Ralph Spencer. That is the way SCUBA divers deal with water pressure, which is much more intense.<br /><br />Are implying that Vegas is a pit? <br /><br />I have to agree.

 

[Scoop]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

Dhud64, I experienced the same thing the first time I flew to New York. The pain was very bad and no yawning or any other thing would make it go away. I flew with 3 other people and none of them experienced the problem. I think if the pressure relief valve was a problem, they would have experienced the same thing. <br /><br />I would be prepared any way and do the Sudafed and try the blowing if it starts to happen. I have also heard that the Earplanes things work, although I have not tried that myself.<br /><br />P.S. I have flown to Vegas twice since the New York Incident and have never had a problem including. The last time I flew was Memorial day week.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

pinch and blow on the way down not up..... If what i learned in scuba is true, you will reverse an ear drum or something doing that going up... reverse block?

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

that chewing gum thing never works for me ...<br /><br />it takes forever to get it back out of my ears, maybe I shouldnt chew it so much, wont be as sticky ... <br /><br />or somethin!

 

[dhud64]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

Thanks everyone! Sounds like Sudafed it is

 

[Hooty]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

Valsalva & Sudafed as directed by Mr. Spencer.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[denniz]

Re: Airline pressure valve, decompression

Hey DHUD64, Hey hootie.......... Dhud REAL tuff guys drive AMCS!!!!!