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I am an active skydiver, and I lost my hearing in my right ear about a month ago.
I have my hearing back, after taking a twelve day pack of steroids. The Dr.
suggested that it may be due to an injury to my eardrum 10 years ago, in
conjunction to the rapid altitude change from skydiving. The Dr. went on to say
that he would not ever jump again, "...if it were me." Obviously, this is hard
for me to accept. I have read one of your responses, in which you suggested to
the writer of the question that he use a "steroidal nasal inhalant" to help with
the pressure of flying. My question, is this...would such a product help me when
skydiving? I look forward to your response. Blue skies, Michael B.
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It might. It depends on how much of your underlying condition
is obstructional. Incidentally, most steroidal inhalers are FAA approved, as
long as you are not experiencing any adverse side-effects from its use.
Be sure to check out our new website at
www.flightsurgeon.com .
Thank you for using Landings.com Dr. Roberts
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Spring has arrived here in the midwest. My CFI, an alergy sufferer, asked me for
a FAA-approved list of over the counter and prescription nasal decongestants.
I'm aware that some police and fire departments have developed a list that
eliminates the "drowsy formulae" containing antihistamines like diphenhydramine
or dextromethorphan. Is Psuedoephedrine HCL acceptable in those who show no
signs of dizziness or sleepiness? Are there any approved inhalants or steroidal
sprays? Since I cannot prescribe, I referred him to his A.M.D. Is there a list
available from a FAA recognized source? Chuck RN BSN
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Psuedoephedrine (Sudafed) is approved. But remember, it is a decongestant...not an antihistamine.
Claritin is FAA approved, as are most steroidal nasal inhalers.
Dr. Roberts
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Hi Dr. Roberts. My problem concerns the clearing of my right ear during climb.
When I climb it can be very hard for the pressure in my ear to equalize. Coming
down is not a problem, however (I realize this is opposite of most people's
problems). The problem doesn't happen on every flight, but it is enough to be
noticeable. I went to a doctor who suggested using a prescription decongestant to
help keep the sinuses and sustatian tube clear of mucus. He mentioned the
possibility of putting a tube in my ear to allow the pressure to equalize should
no other means work. My question is will the FAA allow me to have a class one
medical with a tube in my ear? Chris
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Yes, but you might want to try a steroidal nasal inhalant first. It works
in many cases when decongestants fail. Also, they are approved by the FAA
SkyDoc
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I have a tinitus problem in my left ear. can I pass a 1st class medical exam? karl
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As long as your hearing is not impaired and as long as you have no vertigo,
you should be fine.
Dr. Roberts, SkyDoc
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I have had some loss of hearing in my left ear over the last two years. An E.N.T
specialist recommends that I have stapedectomy surgery. Is this surgery approved
by the FAA, and as an aspiring airline pilot, is it accepted at the major
airlines? Thank you.
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I can not answer for the airlines, as each one sets their own policy. The FAA only
cares about the post-surgical results (ie, can you hear?).
SkyDoc
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I am an Australian private pilot expecting my first baby any day. My wife is
concerned about flying with the baby, particularly ear damage from the noise and
pressure changes. At what age is it considered safe to fly with infants/children?
Are there any specific precautions we should take?
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I have a 4 year old girl, and vividly remember asking myself these same
questions.
Altitude under 12,500 is not a problem. But, little children are more
susceptable to sudden pressure changes because the size of their
eustachian tubes are much smaller than an adult. So, if they have had a
recent cold, it is best to leave them grounded, or at least do slow
descents.
We used wax ear plugs which we molded to the outter ear. We then put a
headband around her head to secure the plugs, and help keep her from
scratching at them. Once she gets to be a toddler, and older, you will find that
their are several headset companies that offer smaller headsets for kids.
Thanks for writing!
SkyDoc
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I am considering pursuing a private pilots license, but I am deaf in my left ear. The
deafness was caused by a viral infection that damaged the nerve some 25 years ago. Is
there any possibility of gaining a medical certificate with this condition? Thanks
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Sure. Get a hearing test done proving your good ear "works".
Submit that to your AME. He will set you up for a certificate of demonstrated ability.
SkyDoc
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I am a PPL trainee who suffers from otosclerosois and have been refused a class 1
medical (CAA) until I get the problem sorted out. Is there still hope for me and can
you give me any useful contacts?
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It appears that you have suffered some hearing loss due to the otosclerosis. Your only
choice appears to be surgery, assuming that your treating ENT Dr. recommends it.
Doc
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I get motion sickness when I ride in the back of a small plane.
Will that interfer with me getting a medical?
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With regard to your motion sickness while riding in the back seat, start
your lessons with an instructor. Assuming you dont get nausea while
actually flying the plane (such as with steep banked turns, etc.), get a
letter from your instructor indicating that you have XXX hours as pilot
in command, and have never had a problem with flight manuevers. Give
that letter to your AME, he will defer your application to OK City, and
they probably will issue you a medical.
SkyDoc
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