Ear Query
Ok so I'm getting more and more frustrated due to lack of advice from various doctors. My situation is this. I have an autoimmune disease which is under control. The only outstanding issue is having fluid trapped within the middle ear and hence my hearing is substantially reduced.
I undertook an audiology assessment for my own curiosity and failed to meet the CASA standards. I did however pass the speech test. I see an ENT regularly as part of this disease and he noted, "Don't be too concerned about the hearing as I'm confident it is reversible particularly if the fluid dissipates" It has been 10 months now and the fluid has not moved at all. I put forward the idea of grommets (tubes) and he said that there are issues with grommets too.
So walking out of his office, I am totally confused as to where I stand, should I attempt the class 1 renewal and likely fail the audiometry test and hopefully pass the speech test. Alternatively do I push to have the fluid drained and hopefully hearing returns and then renew my medical without too many dramas.
The other question I have is should I leave the fluid trapped in the ears is it likely to be a red flag? I can't equalise but then I have no need too as the fluid is completely shut off (liquid isn't compressible) due to completely closed Eustachian tube. I have been on several flights as a passenger with this condition and had no pain what so ever. However just concerned as to how the regulatory authority would view this??
Any help, guidance etc would be greatly greatly appreciated.