Originally Posted by
msnerd1980
I fly a lot of 737's IAD-DFW, but recently took a MD80. Usually when I descend in a 737, the ear pressure pain is pretty intense, and they can feel stuffed up for hours after. But in the MD80, it was significantly more comfortable. I do the same routine in both - gum, swallowing water, etc... the only difference was the plane. When I landed, my ears felt like nothing had happened at all.
Just curious if any engineers out there know why? I've noticed I tend to have more ear pain in Boeing planes in general compared to regional jets, etc.
It sounds like you may be suffering from chronic inflammation in your sinuses and/or Eustachian tubes. (Sinusitis). You should have that looked into as it could be from infection. Having pain on every flight is not normal.
Originally Posted by
Antarius
Both aircraft have the same max psi I believe.
Pain has to do with rate of pressure change, not absolute pressure.
Md80 has slight differences in max pressurization and operating ceiling than most 737.