Ear Tubes

[Unregistered]

I have been fighting chronic ear infections for most of my adult life. Usually at least two infections/year and several episodes of irritation, draining to throat and plugged ears annually. I am very sensitive to altitude change and am as careful as I can be, but I will admit that flying probably makes my situation worse. A sinus CT shows acute sinusitis, blocked passages, etc.

A specialist suggested ear tubes. This sounds like a great idea on the surface to me. The only downside he gave me was that I can't swim or dive, which I don't. It seems to me like this would be a huge help with my sensitivity to altitude changes and improve things quite a bit for me. Am I correct?

Is there any other downside that relates to flying? Will I have any issues getting a medical?

Thanks!

 

[bbchien]

I have been fighting chronic ear infections for most of my adult life. Usually at least two infections/year and several episodes of irritation, draining to throat and plugged ears annually. I am very sensitive to altitude change and am as careful as I can be, but I will admit that flying probably makes my situation worse. A sinus CT shows acute sinusitis, blocked passages, etc.

A specialist suggested ear tubes. This sounds like a great idea on the surface to me.

Sounds like, if you don't do it, pretty soon you won't be able to hear. That'll have an effect on flying.

The only downside he gave me was that I can't swim or dive, which I don't. It seems to me like this would be a huge help with my sensitivity to altitude changes and improve things quite a bit for me. Am I correct?

Yes.

Is there any other downside that relates to flying? Will I have any issues getting a medical?

Thanks!

None. It's good to be able to hear.

 

[Unregistered]

(Pardon the "unregistered", new here and need to get registered)

It would seem to me that permanent ear tubes will solve your altitude Problem very effevtively but also allow another easy way in for the nasties causing your sinusitis.

FWIW - Mayo Clinic ran a thorough investigation into this problem. The results proved beyond a doubt - at least for the Mayo Clinic - that sinusitis is caused by fungus in the vast majority of cases. I'm thinking you may access the study on their website and search "sinusitis" for the details if you're inclined to seek alternatives. I sure would as it affects your flying.

Hope you get well soon.

 

[alaskaflyer]

I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis a number of years ago. I gave up SCUBA - I was a professional recovery diver for the Park Service as well as a recreational diver - and within 6-8 months all symptoms ceased. I feel very strongly that mine was directly related to fungus. Now when I swim or kayak I make a concerted effort to keep water out of my sinuses, and I never submerge for more than a few feet.

OTOH you said you don't dive or swim. I suppose there are other vectors for fungus than untreated H2O...

 

[AdamZ]

Well my daughter had 3 sets of tubes ( as a child of course) We called them the miracle tubes. Loved em loved em loved em.

 

[jhempel]

My daughter had cronic ear infections too. The ENT recommended tubes. That was (so far) the hardest decision that I've had to make as a parent. The idea of cutting on the eardrum bothered me.

They did a hearing test before and after the surgery. Her hearing showed a dramatic improvement after. It was a huge relief to me when the first words out of her mouth when she came to was "Daddy, I can hear out of my left ear!". Apparently she noticed the difference immediately.

The tubes solved all of her ear troubles. They eventually came out, and haven't been needed since.

We are into the water sports. The tubes didn't stop us. They only required a little more planning. We had custom fit ear plugs, and a headband to be sure they didn't get knocked out.

She was too young for scuba, so I'm not sure if that would have been an option. I doubt it.

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all the great information. I will be getting more tests and options in the coming weeks.