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Does Blocked Eustachian Tubes Lead To Permanent Damage?

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Posted on Thu, 21 May 2015
Question: Hi, my eustachian tubes have been blocked for over 2 months now. I have an ENT appointment in late XXXXXXX (due to my travelling schedule). I have done all the normal things, antibiotics, steroid drops, etc. Nothing clear this. I am about to fly to Seville and then the USA; will it be ok to do with blocked eustachian tubes, and.... can blocked eustachian tubes lead to permanent damage?
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Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
OTC Nasal decongestant drops ( 0.1 % Xylometazoline )

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. If there is time before your flight, get an Impedance Audiometry ( Tympanometry ) done.

2. If there is no time, use 3-4 drops of OTC Nasal decongestant drops ( 0.1 % Xylometazoline ) on each side , an hour before the flight.

3. Flying with a partially blocked Eustachian Tube may cause discomfort, especially while landing.

4. Flying with a completely blocked Eustachian Tube may lead to barotrauma. This may cause a temporary and rarely a permanent damage. If this shows up on the Tympanometry, get a Myringotomy and grommet insertion done 2-3 days before the flight.

5. Upload the Tympanometry report.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2686 Questions

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Does Blocked Eustachian Tubes Lead To Permanent Damage?

Brief Answer: OTC Nasal decongestant drops ( 0.1 % Xylometazoline ) Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. If there is time before your flight, get an Impedance Audiometry ( Tympanometry ) done. 2. If there is no time, use 3-4 drops of OTC Nasal decongestant drops ( 0.1 % Xylometazoline ) on each side , an hour before the flight. 3. Flying with a partially blocked Eustachian Tube may cause discomfort, especially while landing. 4. Flying with a completely blocked Eustachian Tube may lead to barotrauma. This may cause a temporary and rarely a permanent damage. If this shows up on the Tympanometry, get a Myringotomy and grommet insertion done 2-3 days before the flight. 5. Upload the Tympanometry report. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.