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.

I would suggest you see an aviation orientated hearing specialist who will want to keep you flying and get help with a safe way to restoring your hearing. Good Luck

MP

Thanks Maximum...easier said then done in Australia trying to find one! :-)

Sorry I can't help on that one!

Would your local AME know of anyone who could help?

MP

Is there a connection between the two?

Yes there is...due to the disease it has effectively altered my cells in my ear and therefore why fluid won't drain. I finally received some more info. So effectively I need to get rid of the fluid before I can fly again. So grommets it is.

Hi mate. I've got Crohns and always suffer with ears blocking up. Especially after a long period of swimming (holiday for example) - I wonder if that's linked to my Crohns?

Last year I had a persistent problem with a "glue ear " and one doctor here wanted me to have a grommet inserted. The more experienced one here put me onto a one week course of prednisolone which fortunately worked. .....otherwise I would have needed to have a grommet inserted. Glad I opted for the pharmaceutical option first.

At the OP, I presume from your reference to CASA that you are in Oz.

Your AME would have the name and contact details of a reputable ENT specialist (or a few) who should be able to help you with this.

Grommets might be a solution.

Good luck.

@ Loose Rivets - there is a very clear link between glue ear and loss of hearing.

Have you had a chat to your doc about otovents ?

https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/mib59/chapter/summary

[B]gingernut [B] may have come up with a modern method of dealing with long term management of glue ear.

My doctor here has advised me to prevent a recurrence by using decongestant nasal spray when the pollen and sand are flying around! So far this preventative strategy has worked.

I really believe that when it comes to medical problems when you are a pilot, you need to consult a doctor who is a aeromedical specialist.

Ha ha, I wish. The jury is out at the moment. No evidence of effect in adults, but by the same rule no evidence of no effect.

Which is probably why you need to have a chat with an ent man at the very least, he can advise you of the risks and benefits.

One thing I can say, is it's one of the only medical interventions we use in kids that has a near 100% compliance rate !

Don't use an ordinary balloon by the way. Safe flying :-)