Ear pain relief
 

Has anyone tried ear plugs with filters like EarPlanes ? Do they work on helping to relief ear apin during descents if you have a a cold?
I have tried nasal sprays like Afrin and it has not been of much help.
I know we are not supposed to fly with a cold but sometimes it is impossible to avoid it.

I just take sudafed before I fly; recommended by my AME.

Thanks a lot. Does it works?

It works quite well for me, but everyone's reaction is unique.

As a side note: I had an ear block a while ago as a consequence of flying with a cold; luckily it was mild and no damage was done. It was really annoying though, and took 6+ weeks to completely go away.

http://a1468.g.akamai.net/f/1468/580.../11511/300.jpg

Many thanks again!! I don´t fly for a US airline and I live south of the border so I don´t know if I will find it here but if it is "over the counter" I will look for it on my next layover on the US. I checked on the FAA site and saw that it is allowed for us. Hope it works.
Have fun flying the 340, I flew the EMB 120 years ago and loved it, think they are very similar.

I heard it is no longer an OTC because druggies were using it to make certain drugs. Dunno if it's true or not, though, so don't count on that one...but anyway, when I used it, it worked really well at first, then the effects died off with each continued use.

A warm-hot moist towel will help do the trick; problem is finding such a thing. Place it behind the ears and along the jaw, and this should help a little.

chewing gum
 

You guys are familiar with the ''valsalva maneuver '' i assume. Chewing gum can also work. Once i was on a flight and during descent a kid sitting a few seats from me was crying in pain. His parents were worried about his yelling and screaming. I gave the boy some chewing gum, sure euff the simple act of chewing did the trick. I guess you could try keeping some gum with you, may come in handy if all else doesn't work. :)

Original formula contains Pseudophedrine, the key ingrident of meth. That is why they put it behind the counter. Many stores limit your purchases per week. Go over, and they report you to the police. They actually record your name and drivers license.

There is a new formula of Sudafed that is sold over the counter that does not contain Pseudophedrine.