Hi all, It's been a few years since I've accessed this site for advice and support. But you were the first people I thought of when I realized I need some sound advice. I have had menieres for many years now. I am nearly deaf in one ear and have significant hearing loss in the other. I still get vertigo spells, mostly in the spring when the air pressure changes, and other times, usually related to stress and/or fatigue. I travel a lot, and manage the flying by taking decongestants before a flight and if on a long flight, before I land. I am going on vacation with friends, and we are considering a group hot air balloon ride. I really want to go, but will refrain if I think that there is a possibility that the experience will set off vertigo and ruin everyone's day (my attacks are usually quite bad and when they come on, I almost always have to rely on others for assistance). Any one have some sound advice or experiences with hot air ballooning that you can share? Thanks Terri-Lee
Thanks for letting me know Scott. Aside from the rough ride, do you think/know if it would likely bring on vertigo?
I dunno. Are you sensitive to heights, turbulence, or being way off the earth? I skydive and I've seen burly men refuse to exit once they look down.
When my meniere's symptoms were at their worse, changes in air pressure, motion, etc, had no effect. It always seemed that the symptoms came and went on their own schedule, irregardless of what I was doing. Things I was sure would set me off didn't. But....we're all different. I guess that's a vague answer, but my point is that it doesn't have to be a certainty it will set your symptoms off. The bigger question, hinted at by Scott Tom is....how are you with heights? I did a balloon ride once and the sensation of being up in the air was pretty profound. I survived it (and even enjoyed it !), but I could see that if someone is really bothered by heights, it would be a nerve racking experience.