Blocked Eustachian Tube
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: UK
Age: 45
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Septoplasty/Turbine Reduction/Grommets
Hi all,
Recently since flying (with a head cold) I've been having painful ears and had trouble popping my ears on descent,
I've been diagnosed with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and have a deviated septum according to the nice pics my ENT surgeon recently took, he mentioned I need a septoplasty and turbine reduction etc...and on top of that having grommets inserted.
-Does anyone have any experience on septoplasty surgery and turbine reduction? Did it help your Eustachian tube dysfunction/painfull ears,or we're grommets more helpful. Or maybe it's all due to the time of year ie: winter & head colds, summer & hay fever?
I've recently started with Avamys 27.5 micrograms nose spray, which seems to be rather helpfull, but not jumping too conclusions just yet...
Has anyone else had any good experiences with Avamys?
Ta
Company-man
Recently since flying (with a head cold) I've been having painful ears and had trouble popping my ears on descent,
I've been diagnosed with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and have a deviated septum according to the nice pics my ENT surgeon recently took, he mentioned I need a septoplasty and turbine reduction etc...and on top of that having grommets inserted.
-Does anyone have any experience on septoplasty surgery and turbine reduction? Did it help your Eustachian tube dysfunction/painfull ears,or we're grommets more helpful. Or maybe it's all due to the time of year ie: winter & head colds, summer & hay fever?
I've recently started with Avamys 27.5 micrograms nose spray, which seems to be rather helpfull, but not jumping too conclusions just yet...
Has anyone else had any good experiences with Avamys?
Ta
Company-man
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Miami
Age: 37
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I found My Solution:
To start I am not a pilot or a Doctor. I am actually a pro Audio Engineer, my main gig is mixing the news, along with recording and mixing records for all kinds of music artists. So Obviously, my ears are directly related to my well-being and career. So when during the middle of my return flight to Miami, the pilot did some manuver that must have gained and lost quite a bit of altitude (like i said I'm no pilot) and my ears popped and clogged up I got extremely uncomfortable. Right then I couldn't hear anything from my left ear, and barely anything from my right. My girlfriend would have to talk in my ear (like at a concert) for me to understand. Then a few minutes into it, it became very painful, like a 6.5 out of 10.
Luckily for me, we were only another 30 minutes out from our destination. Upon descent my hearing did not improve at all. Only once I was on the ground and performing light Valsalva manuver did my right ear pop open. BUT my left ear would not budge, not even a little bit. Naturally I got very worried and started my google doctor routine, which lead me here.
48 hours later I am very, very pleased to report I was able to work out the blockage without any trips to an ENT doc.
During my trip I got Bronchitis, and when i got on my return flight it was at it's end but definitely not gone. I am sure that my bronchitis exacerbated the effects of the quick pressure chages onboard the plane.
I was chewing gum virtually the entire flight, I did not know however, that It could be so extreme as to block my ET's and subsequently ruin my hearing.
There is a wealth of good advice on here which I followed. Heres what worked for me.
Drinking LOTS of water (5-7 full cups)
Heavy doseage of Nasal Steroids, (I had flonase from my prior upper respitory problems)
Doseage of Nasal Decongestants
followed by an extremely hot shower (including inhaling steam vapor)
followed by running (Yes. running) around my block twice.
At this point I sat down (ear still totally clogged) and started drinking more water. I heard the tell-tale pops of the pressure finally starting to sink away. I got freaking estatic, and tried to finish the cup of water but to no avail, it did not equalize. However I knew I was on the right path.
I literally repeated the entire process.
It didnt clear up then either. I continued reading this forum and eventually read about the different types of valsalva manuevers so to speak. The one where you hold your nose but just swallow worked really well, as well as the voluntary opening one. But they would only work intermittently and wouldn't actually open my ET but I could feel them working.
Then I took one last hot shower before heading into the tv station, held my head at some awkward left up position and did the valsalva manuver, and bam. Pop crackle pop, a little bit of pain and all of a sudden my hearing was back to atleast 95%
One note, the entire time during my process I would breathe heavily through the nose and out the mouth, aiding in draining the ET's the way they are naturally supposed to be drained.
I also believe that keeping my body hot, and running in 98 degree heat, aided in the process.
For those of you who have had this for years, If you havent tried vigorous cardio-oriented excercise then you may have been tricked by our own lifesytles.
I, much like a pilot, have a sedentary job. I haven't ran around my block in YEARS. Your ears may be just one small part of your body, but your overall health can DEFINITELY affect your ears. Thats why avoiding all these foods and smoking and drinking is definitely good advice.
I'm writing this post because reading your stories of having blockage that lasts years or more was extremely upsetting as that would mean essentially leaving behind what gives my life meaning.
So there is hope, but don't look at your doctor like he is supposed to have that one magic bullet that is just going to make you right, It doesnt exist. If we were all healthy like we are supposed to be we probably wouldn't have gotten into this situation in the first place.
But for those that do have a deeper issue that clearing your ETs either cannot be done, or has no affect. I wish you the best of luck and toughness when it comes to dealing with the effects.
Hope something here clicks.
Thanks
To start I am not a pilot or a Doctor. I am actually a pro Audio Engineer, my main gig is mixing the news, along with recording and mixing records for all kinds of music artists. So Obviously, my ears are directly related to my well-being and career. So when during the middle of my return flight to Miami, the pilot did some manuver that must have gained and lost quite a bit of altitude (like i said I'm no pilot) and my ears popped and clogged up I got extremely uncomfortable. Right then I couldn't hear anything from my left ear, and barely anything from my right. My girlfriend would have to talk in my ear (like at a concert) for me to understand. Then a few minutes into it, it became very painful, like a 6.5 out of 10.
Luckily for me, we were only another 30 minutes out from our destination. Upon descent my hearing did not improve at all. Only once I was on the ground and performing light Valsalva manuver did my right ear pop open. BUT my left ear would not budge, not even a little bit. Naturally I got very worried and started my google doctor routine, which lead me here.
48 hours later I am very, very pleased to report I was able to work out the blockage without any trips to an ENT doc.
During my trip I got Bronchitis, and when i got on my return flight it was at it's end but definitely not gone. I am sure that my bronchitis exacerbated the effects of the quick pressure chages onboard the plane.
I was chewing gum virtually the entire flight, I did not know however, that It could be so extreme as to block my ET's and subsequently ruin my hearing.
There is a wealth of good advice on here which I followed. Heres what worked for me.
Drinking LOTS of water (5-7 full cups)
Heavy doseage of Nasal Steroids, (I had flonase from my prior upper respitory problems)
Doseage of Nasal Decongestants
followed by an extremely hot shower (including inhaling steam vapor)
followed by running (Yes. running) around my block twice.
At this point I sat down (ear still totally clogged) and started drinking more water. I heard the tell-tale pops of the pressure finally starting to sink away. I got freaking estatic, and tried to finish the cup of water but to no avail, it did not equalize. However I knew I was on the right path.
I literally repeated the entire process.
It didnt clear up then either. I continued reading this forum and eventually read about the different types of valsalva manuevers so to speak. The one where you hold your nose but just swallow worked really well, as well as the voluntary opening one. But they would only work intermittently and wouldn't actually open my ET but I could feel them working.
Then I took one last hot shower before heading into the tv station, held my head at some awkward left up position and did the valsalva manuver, and bam. Pop crackle pop, a little bit of pain and all of a sudden my hearing was back to atleast 95%
One note, the entire time during my process I would breathe heavily through the nose and out the mouth, aiding in draining the ET's the way they are naturally supposed to be drained.
I also believe that keeping my body hot, and running in 98 degree heat, aided in the process.
For those of you who have had this for years, If you havent tried vigorous cardio-oriented excercise then you may have been tricked by our own lifesytles.
I, much like a pilot, have a sedentary job. I haven't ran around my block in YEARS. Your ears may be just one small part of your body, but your overall health can DEFINITELY affect your ears. Thats why avoiding all these foods and smoking and drinking is definitely good advice.
I'm writing this post because reading your stories of having blockage that lasts years or more was extremely upsetting as that would mean essentially leaving behind what gives my life meaning.
So there is hope, but don't look at your doctor like he is supposed to have that one magic bullet that is just going to make you right, It doesnt exist. If we were all healthy like we are supposed to be we probably wouldn't have gotten into this situation in the first place.
But for those that do have a deeper issue that clearing your ETs either cannot be done, or has no affect. I wish you the best of luck and toughness when it comes to dealing with the effects.
Hope something here clicks.
Thanks
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi guys,
I have spent the last month looking at remedies on blocked ears on various websites, had a myringotomy done. but nothing really worked for my left ear it was stuck fast. Until yesterday. I read somewhere - wait for it - it sounds ridiculous, that if you hum like bee it will help. Being desperate and willing to try anything to help my condition. I went home to try this and I think I have had some success! I have glue ear for a whole month and this low pitched hum seems to shake off the gunk in my ear - it began to feel wet again inside the drum. and the fullness is wearing off. It soon got addictive I was humming at home whenever I had a spare moment.
More about the technique. I found the vibrations got to the ear easier if you pinch your nose.
I dont know whether it is time that is helping my issue or this weird technique but I am over the moon.
I also started using Benadryl last night as well so I dont know if it is that as well. but the improvements over the last day has been far greater/speedier than I have experienced since my problem started from a flight a month ago. Never flying with a cold again!
I signed up to this forum just to share this with you guys, ear fullness drove me crazy! Hope this helps!
I have spent the last month looking at remedies on blocked ears on various websites, had a myringotomy done. but nothing really worked for my left ear it was stuck fast. Until yesterday. I read somewhere - wait for it - it sounds ridiculous, that if you hum like bee it will help. Being desperate and willing to try anything to help my condition. I went home to try this and I think I have had some success! I have glue ear for a whole month and this low pitched hum seems to shake off the gunk in my ear - it began to feel wet again inside the drum. and the fullness is wearing off. It soon got addictive I was humming at home whenever I had a spare moment.
More about the technique. I found the vibrations got to the ear easier if you pinch your nose.
I dont know whether it is time that is helping my issue or this weird technique but I am over the moon.
I also started using Benadryl last night as well so I dont know if it is that as well. but the improvements over the last day has been far greater/speedier than I have experienced since my problem started from a flight a month ago. Never flying with a cold again!
I signed up to this forum just to share this with you guys, ear fullness drove me crazy! Hope this helps!
Join Date: Feb 1999
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Blocked eustation tubes
Google the following:
menthol effect on eustation tubes
I had this problem for many years but always carried a small bottle of menthol crystals (easily obtainable for the chemist) and when required, inhaled the vapour from one crystal dropped into warm water (usually the remains of a cup of tea) before descent.
menthol effect on eustation tubes
I had this problem for many years but always carried a small bottle of menthol crystals (easily obtainable for the chemist) and when required, inhaled the vapour from one crystal dropped into warm water (usually the remains of a cup of tea) before descent.
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: California
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
blocked eustachion tube
I've read several posts here about eustachion tube blockage and disorder... but I haven't seen anyone mention that they are also experiencing a high pitched non stop ringing/buzzing.. I've had it in 1 ear for 4 days now.. can't hear anything out of that ear except the ringing/buzzing noise.. I read that some of you have had it for months...or years.. I am about to go nuts from this constant ringing! I cannot imagine anyone could live with it for any extended amount of time! Doc ordered me off work for 3 more days.. Does anyone else have this high pitched non stop noise going on with the blockage?
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Wibble
Age: 45
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't fly much anymore, particularly because of ear problems.
As a passenger on a military aircraft in 1998, a fast decent left me bleeding from my ear which became infected. I still regularly flew and suffered deafness and pain, it all became too much and I vowed to never climb on an aircraft again.
I still suffered and eventually the ENT surgeon found a condition called colesteatoma. I needed surgery through the mastoid bone, there were complications but after ten hours surgery I woke to find the damaged hearing bones were replaced by a synthetic implant and I could hear again.
This year I decided to be taken to the skies once (or twice) more for a family holiday. I can't describe the searing pain the pressure caused, it felt like the prosthetic hearing bone was ripped from inside my ear and after continually performing the valsalva manoeuvre it felt like I swallowed it. I returned to ENT and am still being checked out, talking to the doc (a PPL hobby pilot) he thinks that if I had been seen by a surgeon very early on I would not have the problems I have today, and I wouldn't have had to have a severe mastoidectomy. I will no doubt lose more and more hearing as time passes, until it is all gone.
My point is, especially to those who need to be in the air to put bread on the table, please look after your inner ears. Blocked ET's rarely clear up never to return own their own.
One of the main damage points of one of my ear drums was caused by the ET blocking, and the gunge gelling the ear drum closed, as the pressure increased the eardrum sucked backwards and eventually burst.
If you can perform the valsalva manoeuvre, you are more likely to keep the ET clear and dry, my surgeon tells me he has learned to equalise the pressure like this without physically pinching his nose, and he does it when he flies regular on every trip.
As a passenger on a military aircraft in 1998, a fast decent left me bleeding from my ear which became infected. I still regularly flew and suffered deafness and pain, it all became too much and I vowed to never climb on an aircraft again.
I still suffered and eventually the ENT surgeon found a condition called colesteatoma. I needed surgery through the mastoid bone, there were complications but after ten hours surgery I woke to find the damaged hearing bones were replaced by a synthetic implant and I could hear again.
This year I decided to be taken to the skies once (or twice) more for a family holiday. I can't describe the searing pain the pressure caused, it felt like the prosthetic hearing bone was ripped from inside my ear and after continually performing the valsalva manoeuvre it felt like I swallowed it. I returned to ENT and am still being checked out, talking to the doc (a PPL hobby pilot) he thinks that if I had been seen by a surgeon very early on I would not have the problems I have today, and I wouldn't have had to have a severe mastoidectomy. I will no doubt lose more and more hearing as time passes, until it is all gone.
My point is, especially to those who need to be in the air to put bread on the table, please look after your inner ears. Blocked ET's rarely clear up never to return own their own.
One of the main damage points of one of my ear drums was caused by the ET blocking, and the gunge gelling the ear drum closed, as the pressure increased the eardrum sucked backwards and eventually burst.
If you can perform the valsalva manoeuvre, you are more likely to keep the ET clear and dry, my surgeon tells me he has learned to equalise the pressure like this without physically pinching his nose, and he does it when he flies regular on every trip.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eustachian tube dilation.
I've always been able to voluntarily dilate my eustachian tubes in order to equalise pressure, without the need to chew, swallow, pinch my nose or make strange expressions. 
However, when talking to a couple of friends who are also pilots, they had no idea what I was talking about. Both of them reported that their ears 'pop' when the pressure difference gets too high, but they have no control over when this happens.
I tried to explain that it's possible to open the e-tube on demand, but obviously without being able to point to a specific muscle, it's almost impossible to describe.
The reason I 'manually' equalise pressure is, not just because of the discomfort but also because I notice a significant loss of hearing when a pressure difference exists.
Is it normal to have to regularly equalise ear pressure in order to maintain satisfactory hearing?
However, when talking to a couple of friends who are also pilots, they had no idea what I was talking about. Both of them reported that their ears 'pop' when the pressure difference gets too high, but they have no control over when this happens.
I tried to explain that it's possible to open the e-tube on demand, but obviously without being able to point to a specific muscle, it's almost impossible to describe.
The reason I 'manually' equalise pressure is, not just because of the discomfort but also because I notice a significant loss of hearing when a pressure difference exists.
Is it normal to have to regularly equalise ear pressure in order to maintain satisfactory hearing?
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland, OR
Age: 47
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also have a blocked Eustachian Tube.
My sinus was Frost bitten in Iqualiat and got a Sinus Infection from Iqualiat - Guatemala took about 2 weeks to recover but 1 week later I got a fluid feeling in my ear that would not go away.
Took some amoxicillin and antihistamines it cleared up for about a week and a half. a week later it was blocked again was given Cipro went away for about a week then came back, now on another antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory waiting on the pharm to fill Nasonex see if that helps.
It is not painful just annoying.
ENT on monday if Nasonex don't work.
My sinus was Frost bitten in Iqualiat and got a Sinus Infection from Iqualiat - Guatemala took about 2 weeks to recover but 1 week later I got a fluid feeling in my ear that would not go away.
Took some amoxicillin and antihistamines it cleared up for about a week and a half. a week later it was blocked again was given Cipro went away for about a week then came back, now on another antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory waiting on the pharm to fill Nasonex see if that helps.
It is not painful just annoying.
ENT on monday if Nasonex don't work.
Last edited by NW_Pilot; 15th Aug 2013 at 02:04.
my ear was blocked too
Popping your ears isnt a great idea. It can perforate an eardrum.
Reading this thread now it has been reactivated is interesting. The diagnosis of fluid behind the eardrum, known to doctors as chronic otitis media, is simple - you look in the ears with an auroscope and see the eardrum is dull. you dont need an audiogram!
The medical treatment is decongestants such as actifed, antibiotics possibly and painkillers if necessary. Unfortunately the key is the decongestant which you cant fly on. This treatment also takes time, and meanwhile depressurisation carries a risk of perforation of the eardrum - this doesnt kill your career, but may need an operation to repair is so you are grounded for months
Hot water, oil or anything else outside the eardrum is a waste of time - the problem isnt the drum but the drainage tube which is miles away.
The other treatment is to drain the fluid by a small nick in the eardrum. A washer or grommet is often left in so the ear can drain and you are soon fit to fly. In many countries this is done with some local anaesthetic in an office and takes perhaps 5 minutes! Whilst I agree the NHS doesnst usually consider this an emergency, if your career or health are at risk - ie you cant fly or you fly and perforate your eardrum - they probably will. If your ear is painful it is also urgent. So the morale of the tale is if it doesnt settle rapidly and you fly for a living, make a fuss, demand to see an ENT surgeon, and demand some grommets.
Reading this thread now it has been reactivated is interesting. The diagnosis of fluid behind the eardrum, known to doctors as chronic otitis media, is simple - you look in the ears with an auroscope and see the eardrum is dull. you dont need an audiogram!
The medical treatment is decongestants such as actifed, antibiotics possibly and painkillers if necessary. Unfortunately the key is the decongestant which you cant fly on. This treatment also takes time, and meanwhile depressurisation carries a risk of perforation of the eardrum - this doesnt kill your career, but may need an operation to repair is so you are grounded for months
Hot water, oil or anything else outside the eardrum is a waste of time - the problem isnt the drum but the drainage tube which is miles away.
The other treatment is to drain the fluid by a small nick in the eardrum. A washer or grommet is often left in so the ear can drain and you are soon fit to fly. In many countries this is done with some local anaesthetic in an office and takes perhaps 5 minutes! Whilst I agree the NHS doesnst usually consider this an emergency, if your career or health are at risk - ie you cant fly or you fly and perforate your eardrum - they probably will. If your ear is painful it is also urgent. So the morale of the tale is if it doesnt settle rapidly and you fly for a living, make a fuss, demand to see an ENT surgeon, and demand some grommets.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: On the Rump of Pendle Hill Lancashi
Posts: 614
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I used to do daily runs on the road, round about 5/8miles after work I would be about 28yrs old, played Rugby and cricket and generaly thought I was mega fit, one day whilst driving my world went haywire, I managed to stop on the side of the road got out of the car and walked about a little bit and after about 10/15 mins all started to get better, I felt immensly sick and went as pale as death, but the weired dizzy feeling went and after about 30 mins I continued my journey, I discovered I was not hearing to well in my left ear and had the feeling of a blocked ear, my ordinary GP put it down to a head cold, however five year later it was still affecting me every two to three months, my wife ( a Nurse) did some reading up on this and informed me that I would not get better, and that I needed to see a person who really was just an Ear Doctor, in other words a Specialist, I paid to see a Surgeon at Manchester Royal Hospital UK who diagnosed what was wrong and he suggested an operation to place a drain from my ETube into my Neck, he said the liquid in the E Tube had thickened up and by fitting a small drain it would alleviate the problem by always allowing a supply of fresh liquid produced in the head area to be in the E Tube which acts as a sort of spirit level for your body, I was in Hospital for one and a half days, the operation was about 9/10 hours, it cost me about £7k in 1988 and I have not had any trouble since, as soon as I came round from the operation I knew it had worked , for I could hear crystal clear and had lost the feeling of fullness in that left ear along with losing the high pitched clicking and whistling sounds.
even now in 2013 I cannot thank that Surgeon enough for his diagnosis and operational skills. He still runs the ENT side at MRH but now has a dedicated team of equally skilled sugeons under his control.
Potions pills and medicines did not help ..the knife did!
Peter R-B
Lancashire
even now in 2013 I cannot thank that Surgeon enough for his diagnosis and operational skills. He still runs the ENT side at MRH but now has a dedicated team of equally skilled sugeons under his control.
Potions pills and medicines did not help ..the knife did!
Peter R-B
Lancashire
Last edited by Peter-RB; 20th Sep 2013 at 11:34.
Can't clear pressure in ear is this due to wax build up.
Hello,
I m a full time pilot for a uk airline in my late 20`s.
I was on holiday with my family when i got a pretty straight forward standard cold. Flew back home as a pax a little congested which I did feel in descent but it wasn't that painful just used standard methods to clear my ears which they did after a couple of hours on the ground.
The next few days spent trying to get over the cold. I've pretty much got rid of the cold still a little congestion but the one problem I seem to have is not been able to fully clear pressure from my left ear. The right is fine. Its not painful at all just a pressure which is there 75% of the time. Strangely when I get up in the morning it seems ok less so when I'm upright.
I went to see local gp who said I have a lot of build up of wax in that left ear. Could that be the cause of this pressure sensation or inability to clear that ear? I'm using olive oil to soften up the wax and was perscribed a steroid decongestion nose inhaler.
Does anyone have any advice or knowledge on this as I am concerned that the pax flight has caused damage that might stop me clearing pressure. I hope it is the wax that I can get cleared as I am already calling in sick and really need to get flying soon.
Best regards
Mooneyboy,
I m a full time pilot for a uk airline in my late 20`s.
I was on holiday with my family when i got a pretty straight forward standard cold. Flew back home as a pax a little congested which I did feel in descent but it wasn't that painful just used standard methods to clear my ears which they did after a couple of hours on the ground.
The next few days spent trying to get over the cold. I've pretty much got rid of the cold still a little congestion but the one problem I seem to have is not been able to fully clear pressure from my left ear. The right is fine. Its not painful at all just a pressure which is there 75% of the time. Strangely when I get up in the morning it seems ok less so when I'm upright.
I went to see local gp who said I have a lot of build up of wax in that left ear. Could that be the cause of this pressure sensation or inability to clear that ear? I'm using olive oil to soften up the wax and was perscribed a steroid decongestion nose inhaler.
Does anyone have any advice or knowledge on this as I am concerned that the pax flight has caused damage that might stop me clearing pressure. I hope it is the wax that I can get cleared as I am already calling in sick and really need to get flying soon.
Best regards
Mooneyboy,
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: -
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I went to see local gp who said I have a lot of build up of wax in that left ear. Could that be the cause of this pressure sensation or inability to clear that ear? I'm using olive oil to soften up the wax and was perscribed a steroid decongestion nose inhaler.
You could try to remove ear wax by slowly and gently injecting warm water (body temperature) in your ear canal by means of a syringe. Let you help by somebody.
Last edited by RedBullGaveMeWings; 30th Sep 2013 at 15:24.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 32°55'22"S 151°46'56"E
Age: 39
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Glad I found this thread. In January I had a severe ear infection which caused loss of hearing, and eventually after months sort of recovered but when I swallow I can hear a clicking sound in my left ear (like mucus is still in there). In July I had an audio gram as part of a medical which identified a slight loss of hearing in the left ear, however with a history of perfect hearing in all previous annual audio gram it was assumed due to the flight. Again in August I had another audogram which said the same. I've tried cleaning the sinuses, but now going to see an ENT specialist for advice. However since I'm here in the sandpit I like to be armed with the right info before I see the local doctors.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Brazil
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sinus and otitis (ear block)
Hi guys,
On the last 8 years I've been flying Boeing 737 for Gol Brazilian airlines.
It has been chalenging to keep flying all those years due to somes issues on my Eustachian tube.
Every year I need to get some days out of duty because of sinus and otitis media.
So I take some antibiotics and corticoids to get better and continue flying.
Comparing my health with other crewman I believe that I suffer more from sinus and otitis than the average. (I have one to two cases per year).
Do you guys think I'm in the normal range?
Can someone give some tips or treatment?
I'm really open minded guy and have already tried a lot of different options of treatments like homeopathy, take some clarintin (loratadina), allergy vaccine, etc.
It seems that a simple cold on myself improves to sinus and afterwards to otitis due to pressurization change that I'm exposed all the time.
I also realized that always when I have a cold my Eustachian tube doesn't work well causing hurt and pain.
On the other hand, some pilots never feels that discomfort even if they have a cold.
I always have a hard time for take off and land even if I don't have a cold.
An important information is that I don't have continuing sinus, it's alergic. So an surgery is not the case. My xrays are fine.
Another important information is that I've inserted "PE tubes" a few years ago and it was fine. It helped me and last for 6 months. (I consider doing it again if necessary).
Does someone here has ever user a product called earpopper? It seems to work fine when your ET is blocked.
On the last 8 years I've been flying Boeing 737 for Gol Brazilian airlines.
It has been chalenging to keep flying all those years due to somes issues on my Eustachian tube.
Every year I need to get some days out of duty because of sinus and otitis media.
So I take some antibiotics and corticoids to get better and continue flying.
Comparing my health with other crewman I believe that I suffer more from sinus and otitis than the average. (I have one to two cases per year).
Do you guys think I'm in the normal range?
Can someone give some tips or treatment?
I'm really open minded guy and have already tried a lot of different options of treatments like homeopathy, take some clarintin (loratadina), allergy vaccine, etc.
It seems that a simple cold on myself improves to sinus and afterwards to otitis due to pressurization change that I'm exposed all the time.
I also realized that always when I have a cold my Eustachian tube doesn't work well causing hurt and pain.
On the other hand, some pilots never feels that discomfort even if they have a cold.
I always have a hard time for take off and land even if I don't have a cold.
An important information is that I don't have continuing sinus, it's alergic. So an surgery is not the case. My xrays are fine.
Another important information is that I've inserted "PE tubes" a few years ago and it was fine. It helped me and last for 6 months. (I consider doing it again if necessary).
Does someone here has ever user a product called earpopper? It seems to work fine when your ET is blocked.
I have had Eustachian Tube Disorder for about a year now. It is actually a fluid build up in my left middle ear, and the tube is not blocked. It is not painful, or uncomfortable. I have seen a specialist who shoved a shuftiscope up my nose, but reported nothing untoward. I have no problem 'clearing' my ears ....
My hearing is dulled on one side, and I have had tinnitus in my right ear for years - but I have learnt to live with it. I had an audiology test, which showed that I had reduced LF perception, but that overall my hearing is not too bad for a 60+ yr old.
On occasion, the fluid seems to clear for short periods and I have to turn down the TV a bit. However, there seems to no 'cure' per se. The fluid can be drained, but grommets are not a long term solution, and there is no guarantee that the problem will not recur. I'm living with it...
My hearing is dulled on one side, and I have had tinnitus in my right ear for years - but I have learnt to live with it. I had an audiology test, which showed that I had reduced LF perception, but that overall my hearing is not too bad for a 60+ yr old.
On occasion, the fluid seems to clear for short periods and I have to turn down the TV a bit. However, there seems to no 'cure' per se. The fluid can be drained, but grommets are not a long term solution, and there is no guarantee that the problem will not recur. I'm living with it...
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: LIMASSOL
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
blocked eustation tubes, sinuses, and cough
Your blogs are most useful to me, thanks for posting. My head, throat and chest infection has lasted more than 3 weeks now, but at last, there are signs the viruses are departing. I did sweat from time to time in week 1. My throat got tighter and I began to cough after week 1.
I have not had a fever. Sticky yellow globs of mucus come up when I cough or hack the back of my throat, more in the third week up to now. My GP put me on antibiotics for 1 week in the 2nd week to get rid of any bacteria piggy-backing on the virus damage to my lungs. This to forestall any Bronchitis developing, and I felt better except that the cough worsened. Into weeks 3 and 4 , as of now, I have coughed up so much yellow blobby mucus from my tight throat.
Cannot believe it. Wheezing breathing worries me. I went back to the GP and was given a ventilator....slight improvenment. The websites all say a cough can last for 3 - 4 weeks, surprised me.
Drinking lots of water, honey and lemon, aloe vera jiucxe [peachy bits], all flavoured teas without dairy, taking paracetamol to help sleep, but cough all night sometimes. ......Wondered about allergy to cat hair/ fleas, since cats sleep on the bed ! .....Wondered about bed-mite irritation. Tumble-dried all my pillows on high heat for 10 plus minutes to get rid of dust mites. Washed all bedding at 60 degrees plus for same reason. Feels better to me. ..........Took Sudafed = decongestant 3 times a day to dry up dripping nose - helped me to carry on life near-normal, but decongestant use can keep the dry cough going on longer, and make the mucus stickier so you cannot cough it up so well, to spit out. ... ....Now in 4th week, coughing less, but eustation tubes still blocked, hearing interrupted a bit, sometimes I feel dizzy [balance part of ear affected], voice annoyingly wheezy and sinuses still partially blocked. ......I want to try jogging a little as suggested by a blogger here - thanks. Exercise IS good, but you don't feel like it ! .....Thought the turkish steam bath a good idea too. Nasal inhaling over hot water with eucalyptus oil drops, head under a towel, is supposed to help - mind not to be scalded. ....Commercial inhaler of salt water I may try too. Finally coming out of the worst in week 4......I considered myself fit, but these new viruses are terrible, laid me really low ! Must boost the immune system to avoid same again. ....Exercise plus healthy eating, giving up the medications, drugs, ......all boring ! Good luck with yours !
I have not had a fever. Sticky yellow globs of mucus come up when I cough or hack the back of my throat, more in the third week up to now. My GP put me on antibiotics for 1 week in the 2nd week to get rid of any bacteria piggy-backing on the virus damage to my lungs. This to forestall any Bronchitis developing, and I felt better except that the cough worsened. Into weeks 3 and 4 , as of now, I have coughed up so much yellow blobby mucus from my tight throat.
Cannot believe it. Wheezing breathing worries me. I went back to the GP and was given a ventilator....slight improvenment. The websites all say a cough can last for 3 - 4 weeks, surprised me.
Drinking lots of water, honey and lemon, aloe vera jiucxe [peachy bits], all flavoured teas without dairy, taking paracetamol to help sleep, but cough all night sometimes. ......Wondered about allergy to cat hair/ fleas, since cats sleep on the bed ! .....Wondered about bed-mite irritation. Tumble-dried all my pillows on high heat for 10 plus minutes to get rid of dust mites. Washed all bedding at 60 degrees plus for same reason. Feels better to me. ..........Took Sudafed = decongestant 3 times a day to dry up dripping nose - helped me to carry on life near-normal, but decongestant use can keep the dry cough going on longer, and make the mucus stickier so you cannot cough it up so well, to spit out. ... ....Now in 4th week, coughing less, but eustation tubes still blocked, hearing interrupted a bit, sometimes I feel dizzy [balance part of ear affected], voice annoyingly wheezy and sinuses still partially blocked. ......I want to try jogging a little as suggested by a blogger here - thanks. Exercise IS good, but you don't feel like it ! .....Thought the turkish steam bath a good idea too. Nasal inhaling over hot water with eucalyptus oil drops, head under a towel, is supposed to help - mind not to be scalded. ....Commercial inhaler of salt water I may try too. Finally coming out of the worst in week 4......I considered myself fit, but these new viruses are terrible, laid me really low ! Must boost the immune system to avoid same again. ....Exercise plus healthy eating, giving up the medications, drugs, ......all boring ! Good luck with yours !
