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Ear pain after skydiving, upcoming flight

Hi, I went skydiving yesterday with a bit of a cold. Because of the congestion, I couldn't properly equalize my left ear during the free fall. By the time I landed, my left ear was in lots of pain, I couldn't hear out of it well, and it felt completely unequalized. After waking up today, it still feels somewhat unequalized and congested.

I have a two hour flight in three days. Should I be worried about the flight at all? I'm a little worried I won't be able to equalize it by the time the flight comes.

Is there any risk of damage to my ear from this? I've read on perforated eardrums, and though I don't think I have it that bad, the general advice is to just wait and let it heal. I've never had my ear hurt as bad as it did or had that amount of temporary hearing loss, so it was quiet startling at the time.

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
I experienced the exact problem when I went skydiving. When I got to the ground my right ear felt like it was almost bleeding! It wasn't but it took me 2 weeks before the pain was completely gone.
I've been in no big hurry to skydive again but I've had to do a lot of flying. If I don't take some kind of decongestant my right ear will pay the price. If I do take something before I fly my ear is just fine.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your response. The problem essentially went away after a week, it just took some time to heal. During that time, my ear often felt unequalized, and I could hear some noises in it every time I bent over, but it's fine now. I took a decongestant (Pseudoephedrine I think) before the flight, and I could equalize throughout it.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, if there is eustachian tube dysfunction it can cause problems with flying. The danger lies in being unable to equalize the pressure either side of your eardrum during the flight. Air expands and is forced out of the middle ear as the cabin pressure falls during ascent; then during descent, air must travel up the Eustachian tubes from the throat to prevent the eardrum getting sucked in. Failure to equalize the pressure is extremely painful. Decongestants, steroid nasal sprays and antihistamine medications may help clear the tubes and facilitate drainage. So, try this and consult a local doctor for assessment. Regards.
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