While not fun, a blown eardrum isn't as bad as some people make it sound. You usually don't have to be out of work for more than 2-4 weeks. I blew out my left eardrum last month and my hearing is completely back to normal now. When the eardrum actually gives way isn't the really painful part. That's actually kind of a relief. The really painful part is right before the eardrum blows when all that pressure is pushing against it. When it finally gives way, there's a short burst of pain and then it feels a lot better since the pressure is gone. I had a ringing in my ears for about 2 weeks after and it took about 3 weeks for my full hearing to come back. My advice: definitely don't fly with any sort of ear or sinus infection. It's really not worth it.