Travelling with Tinnitus and blocked ear

[MarkinCumbria]

Hi everyone,

I had what I thought was an ear infection and then developed tinnitus. Prescribed antibiotics and then otomize spray but nothing has worked. Right ear painful so I can't lie down on that side, and constant tinnitus. The nurse practitioners I saw told me they could not see the ear drum, probably due to narrow tubes and advise me to see an ENT specialist but no NHS appointments available and no sign of getting one.... I am coping ok with the blocked ear and tinnitus but I would like to go away on holiday and wondering whether air travel is a no-no given that I am still unsure of what is causing the ear problem. Any advice?

[rabbits65]

I cannot go on an airplane with my ears . I have tinnitus and get blocked ears. The wait for ENT department is a year plus , but your own GP should be able to expedite your appointment . I hope the pain eases soon . Keep on at your GP that’s about all you can do unless you pay for a private ENT consultant . I did that, costs about £195 per visit

[MarkinCumbria in reply to rabbits65]

Thanks for your prompt reply! I can't get to see the GP in person but took a letter in to the surgery yesterday, and hoping that will prompt action. I too had seen that it is currently about a year wait, so thinking of taking a long drive via ferry instead .... 😊

[rabbits65 in reply to MarkinCumbria]

Well at least if you go by ferry you know it’s a safer bet . Have a good trip 😊

[surreycccfan]

I have not had a problem flying with my T. Some useful info from the BTA here tinnitus.org.uk/flying-and-... and tinnitus.org.uk/flying-and-... . Hope this helps

[Hidden]

Hi. If you drink a lot of juice/water on the flight the swallowing movement helps plus keeps you hydrated. Air con on flights plus pressure can be a problem but then you have health benefits getting away on holiday. First defence nasal spray helps keep your nose hydrated which could help too... short flight even better if you have ear pain. Good luck.

[MarkinCumbria in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!

[Happyrosie in reply to Hidden]

I use First Def when I think I’m acquiring an upper respiratory infection. Thanks for tip on using it on flights.