Abit of scare mongering going on here. I flew at Christmas LGW-NAP with a bad cold I was actually considering not taking the flight as I was worried about my ears but I had no problems I took 4 sudafed 2 just before boarding then 2 more about 1 hour into the flight. If you follow your pharmacists advice you shouldn't have any problems. Yes peoples ear drums can be damaged but that is quite rare.