Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 6/13/2008

Question
My fiance was in a car accident in March and suffers from hearing loss in his left ear. He says it really hurts when there is a `base`type of noise around or a high pitch squeel. The doctor he has refered him for a more advanced hearing test reguarding the bones inside his ear. He has not been seen yet and i am wondering, since his ear drum has mostly healed if he has broken the bones inside his ear. He suffers from dizziness only now and then and complains of being lightheaded if he moves to fast. If he has broken the bones inside his ear is he able to fly without causing further damage.

Thank you so much
Maggie Annis
Manitoba, Canada

Answer
Hi Maggie,
First, I am sorry to hear of your fiance's situation. Next, do you have any idea which test the physician recommended?  Are you sure he is looking at the little bones in the middle ear or the cochlea of the inner ear?  It is possible to break the little bones in the middle ear due to a trauma, but there could have also been a traumatic fracture in the inner ear. If the middle ear bones are broken, he probably would not do more damage by flying, but he should check with his physician first. However, if the inner ear is damaged, then the pressure changes that occur during flying could cause pain and dizziness.  
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology