Sinus and ear pain
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Join Date: Aug 2002
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Sinus and ear pain
Hi there all - I know this has been talked about quite a bit but I wanted to get some professional advice. I started flying for a regional carrier last year and since then I have been suffering from sinus pain and blockage. I had an operation to open up the area where the sinuses drain but he didn't actually widen the passages. I still have problems popping my ears in the descent and generally feel "blocked up" most of the time while flying. Sometimes after four sectors my hearing is a little dull and I am bit worried about doing permanent damage to my hearing.
I have tried all manner of decongestants and nasal sprays without any real success and feel that another operation might be the way forward. My consultant is keen to stick with the medication but he seems to have run out of ideas.
One of my nostrils seems to be a little narrower than the other and while I can breath quite happily through one, the other is probably 80% blocked most of the time.
I'm not sure if this semi-blocked nostril is a contributory factor or not and I'm not sure what the surgical options are from here. Does anybody with any ENT experience have any thoughts or advice for me for me?
Hufty.
I have tried all manner of decongestants and nasal sprays without any real success and feel that another operation might be the way forward. My consultant is keen to stick with the medication but he seems to have run out of ideas.
One of my nostrils seems to be a little narrower than the other and while I can breath quite happily through one, the other is probably 80% blocked most of the time.
I'm not sure if this semi-blocked nostril is a contributory factor or not and I'm not sure what the surgical options are from here. Does anybody with any ENT experience have any thoughts or advice for me for me?
Hufty.
Join Date: Aug 2005
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I hope there is someone out there who can help because I'm in a similar position.
What really caught my attention about your message is that I used to work on jets and never had a problem with unblocking my ears. For the last few years I've been working for a regional airline (turbo prop aircraft), and the problem just won't go away!
What really caught my attention about your message is that I used to work on jets and never had a problem with unblocking my ears. For the last few years I've been working for a regional airline (turbo prop aircraft), and the problem just won't go away!
Join Date: Oct 2000
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My wife endured severe ear pain whenever we flew for many, many years. I've even had the experience of watching her banging her head against the seat in front, such was the pain. Various medics, including several of my AMEs, recommended decongestant sprays to snort at TOD. These helped a little. Then a few years back someone recommended EarPlanes - little ear plugs hich have some sort of built in valve to slow down the changes in pressure. They were miraculous and she now has no problems.. Pick them up at chemists or pilot shops..
