What Joanek relates makes me somewhat concered. I flew from EWR to SFO several weeks ago. I had what I considered a minor cold, some sniffles, not sneezing or plugged nose. I had a late dinner meeting and could hear just fine. The next morning I woke up and could not hear at all out of my left ear. It was as though someone had literally stuffed a cotton ball deep inside. I just assumed that it would go away. Well, I still have not seen a doctor due to my unreal schedule the last several weeks. I have been flying at least twice a week since and have not experienced any pain on any flight, I just cannot hear out of my left ear. I know, it is time to get some medical attention if I could just stay home long enough to get into someone's office.