Ear Infection & Perforated Eardrum

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FlightSolutions
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Ear Infection & Perforated Eardrum

Post by FlightSolutions »

Anyone have experience dealing with one? How long did you have to abstain from flying? My doctor recommended around 2 weeks. I've been on antibiotics for almost a week and I've had no change and still can't clear my ear with the valsalva. Sucks to be off work for so long.

How about a perforated eardrum due to the infection? I head back to the doctor today to make sure this didn't happen.
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chipmunk
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Re: Ear Infection & Perforated Eardrum

Post by chipmunk »

Back when I was a starving flight instructor, no base pay, didn't want to turn down a day of flying even though my sinuses were all plugged up... ended up with a nasty ear blockage/infection and it was 10 days to 2 weeks before I felt better.
I didn't perforate mine, luckily.

Get well soon.
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Skyhunter
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Re: Ear Infection & Perforated Eardrum

Post by Skyhunter »

Had the perforated eardrum once. Was very messy, prior to in perforating one was clearing and not the other. Caused lots of disorientation. Was single seat, in cloud, climbing quite fast. Fortunately broke out on top and was able to control the aircraft until the one perforated. It was bad enough I don't think I would have been able to conduct an approach in cloud. After the perforation all was fine.

Medically after that was grounded for about a week, then the specialist put a tube in my ear, and was good to go. Flew with the tube in for about 6 months. Party trick, was able to blow cigar smoke out my ear. Probably not a good idea, but I was young and full of piss and vinegar back then.
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FlightSolutions
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Re: Ear Infection & Perforated Eardrum

Post by FlightSolutions »

Doc is recommending another week. If it was perforated oddly enough I would be fit to fly according to the doc. Luckily this employer has short term disability.

I once was grounded for over a month a few years back for another issue without short term benefits. I was off long enough to collect $7 from EI, and just short of collecting long term disability. Really hurt financially with the wife on mat leave, and trying to feed a kid.
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KAG
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Re: Ear Infection & Perforated Eardrum

Post by KAG »

Oh man, that sucks. Go see an ENT (ear nose and throat) right away. you'll need a referral. Get well soon. been there it sucks.
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Taxivasion
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Re: Ear Infection & Perforated Eardrum

Post by Taxivasion »

I hope he's healed by now. This was from 4 years ago....
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