Anyone have eustachian tube issues? Just me?

Posted by xYxTwitchyxYx@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 7 comments

Instructor, been having issues for awhile now with blockage. Annoying and painful. Tried contacting my local surgeon rep from the medical division to ask what surgeries/ preventative measures I could do while not having issues with my medical. Sad to say but he was a waste of my time with no help. “We can’t really give you an idea until you have the surgery”. Sureeee.. Anyways, scheduling just a consult with the local ear nose throat doctor. Then will contact local AME or other medical personnel with my solutions. Long story short, has any pilot here had eustachian tube bypass surgery, or tubes, or a stent put in to stretch them out and been approved?

Reply to Post

7 Comments

[-]

AlternateForProbs@reddit

If this is an issue you have only occasionally and only when stuffy, just carry a bottle of Afrin and call it a day. If this is an all day every day thing then yeah go to an ENT for sure.

[-]

tenderlychilly@reddit

I had some issues with my tubes for a bit, turned out my wisdom teeth were pinching my sinuses and causing my issues. Might be worth a look if you still have them in.

[-]

BrtFrkwr@reddit

See your specialist. The FAA is the last people you should be talking to. Their job is to ground you and they will do it if you give them a chance.

[-]

moxygenx@reddit

Get the tubes. The ENT will do it. It HURTS. But not for long.

[-]

moxygenx@reddit

P.S. Lots of airline crews have tubes in their ears. The FAA doesn’t care, don’t worry about your medical.

[-]

rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity: --- Instructor, been having issues for awhile now with blockage. Annoying and painful. Tried contacting my local surgeon rep from the medical division to ask what surgeries/ preventative measures I could do while not having issues with my medical. Sad to say but he was a waste of my time with no help. “We can’t really give you an idea until you have the surgery”. Sureeee.. Anyways, scheduling just a consult with the local ear nose throat doctor. Then will contact local AME or other medical personnel with my solutions. Long story short, has any pilot here had eustachian tube bypass surgery, or tubes, or a stent put in to stretch them out and been approved? --- Please downvote this comment until it collapses. --- I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please [contact the mods of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/flying).

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: surgery. Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice. We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/). For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/). Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index). Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to. If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority. Good luck! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*