OK to fly with Eustachian tube dysfunction?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have two inner ear conditions. Both are somewhat rare: Right-semicircular canal dehiscence and Left- patulous eustachian tube dysfunction. What I want to know is whether I can fly- take an airplane without getting ill and sustain further inner damage?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

1. Super semicircular canal dehiscence is a rare inner ear condition. In this condition there will be giddiness and imbalance when exposed to loud noise and imbalance, echoing of once own voice, etc. This condition usually does not get worsened by change in environmental pressure. So air travel will not be an issue in this condition. In any case keep anti-vertigo medications such as Stemetil handy when you fly. 2. Patulous eustachian tube is a condition involving middle ear and nose. My guess is because of similarity in symptoms you have been given both the diagnosis. I can say that if there is vertigo then it is superior canal dehiscence if there is no vertigo chances of Patulous eustachian tube are high. In any case people with Patulous eustachian tube will have certain degree of pressure symptoms in ear when they fly but most of the times it will not be very severe. You can use simple saline nasal spray before boarding the flight and every two hours in air to reduce symptoms.