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Is Water Rides Advisable For A Patient With Ruptured Eardrum?
Question: My son ruptured his eardrum at boy scout camp last week. We are scheduled to go to XXXXXXX on Friday July 29. We are planning to go to Disney World an Universal Studios and enjoy the rides. Is there any problem with him going on roller coasters, water rides (such as log flume) or other high speed rides while there?
Brief Answer:
Avoid the water rides.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. A ruptured eardrum should heal in a few weeks on its own.
2. Ideally, the ear is kept dry, avoiding water and extereme air presuures.
3. Avoid the water rides especially the water flume rides. Water or moisture in this situation may lead to infection that may delay healing or lead to a persisting ear drum defect that will require surgical closure.
4. Avoiding other high speed rides depends upon the size of the traumatic rupture. If the ear drum perforation is very small, he can take the rides as air pressure changes will not affect the ear much. However, if the ear drum perforation Is large, avoid all the rides. Sudden rush of cold air into the middle ear may cause dizziness and pain.
5. Hence it is safest to avoid all rides or at least the water rides.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Avoid the water rides.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. A ruptured eardrum should heal in a few weeks on its own.
2. Ideally, the ear is kept dry, avoiding water and extereme air presuures.
3. Avoid the water rides especially the water flume rides. Water or moisture in this situation may lead to infection that may delay healing or lead to a persisting ear drum defect that will require surgical closure.
4. Avoiding other high speed rides depends upon the size of the traumatic rupture. If the ear drum perforation is very small, he can take the rides as air pressure changes will not affect the ear much. However, if the ear drum perforation Is large, avoid all the rides. Sudden rush of cold air into the middle ear may cause dizziness and pain.
5. Hence it is safest to avoid all rides or at least the water rides.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your quick reply.
How about plane travel? We live in Missouri and will be taking a plane to XXXXXXX Is it safe for him to fly?
We plan to follow up with an ear nose and throat specialist to find out the size of the ear drum perforation.
His pediatrician told him to wear an ear plug if you was in the swimming pool. I wonder if the perforation a small, and with advice in mind, would he be able to run the water rides with an earplug?
Frankly, we hate to see a vacation XXXXXXX but his health and safety is our one and only concern.
How about plane travel? We live in Missouri and will be taking a plane to XXXXXXX Is it safe for him to fly?
We plan to follow up with an ear nose and throat specialist to find out the size of the ear drum perforation.
His pediatrician told him to wear an ear plug if you was in the swimming pool. I wonder if the perforation a small, and with advice in mind, would he be able to run the water rides with an earplug?
Frankly, we hate to see a vacation XXXXXXX but his health and safety is our one and only concern.
Brief Answer:
Aeroplane flights are no problem.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Aeroplane flights are not a problem. In fact, the perforation acts like a ventilation tube.
2. Earplugs are of doubtful value in preventing water and moisture form entering the ear.
3. If the perforation is large, it is best to avoid the water rides.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Aeroplane flights are no problem.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Aeroplane flights are not a problem. In fact, the perforation acts like a ventilation tube.
2. Earplugs are of doubtful value in preventing water and moisture form entering the ear.
3. If the perforation is large, it is best to avoid the water rides.
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
Answered by
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