Janice
A cure for the hiccups (I've been bothered with them all of my life and a sure fire hault within seconds - for me that is) hold your nose closed with your fingers and at the same time take tiny sips of any liquid. As you swallow you will sound like you are gulping and your ears will pop a little like you are on an airplane. I know this sounds far out but it truly works. I hope it works for your father. I've never had them that long. One other thing, belching and burping can go hand in hand with the hiccups because each time you hiccup, you gulp in air.