Looking for Advice on Flying (I'm a Flight Attendant)

[Rogerde2018]

Hello everybody,

I'm a flight attendant and I got Tinnitus, Eustachian tube dysfunction and clicking in my ears due to an upper respiratory infection, and I was wondering if I should go back to work or just change my career.

According to the British Tinnitus Association "most people with tinnitus do not experience any adverse effect on their condition whit flying. In the unlikely situation that they do, it is likely to be only minor and temporary."

The American Academy of Otolaryngology mention that "If you fly frequently and have chronic issues with pressure or pain, you doctor may recommend placing small pressure equalization tubes."

A month ago I had the Eustachian tube ballon dilatation which I believe it helped a little bit about the clogging of my ears in the elevator. At this point I'm afraid about injuring or making worse my situation, and I'm debating between quitting or getting ear tubes. The true thing is that I don't know what to do since ear tubes also come with certain issues.

Thank you for your feedback!

 

[Michael B]

No medical expert advice here but I've flown many times without any long term adverse effects. But with your additional medical issues, I believe an ENT should advise you about future employment.
Mike

 

[robHing]

You need to be careful with tinnitus and ETD.
I hope that you don't have hyperacusis.
If the answer is yes then definitely do not fly in airplane as your career.

 

[Bill Bauer]

You won't be able to wear any hearing protection on the job...

I guess if you feel like your T is spiking as a result of flying, then quitting makes sense.