4 days later... my ears don't feel right

[breckgirl5]

Sorry to post yet another thread on ears.... but I was last diving 4 days ago (the last of a 3-day trip) and my ears still feel "muffled." When I hold my nose and blow I get a lot of movement inside my ears (I hear popping and crackling), but sounds are still muffled and it almost feels like the membranes inside my ear canals are inflamed.

I do have trouble clearing when I dive and I wonder if I just overdid it. I plan to see an ENT or otolaryologist (sp?) ASAP... for now I thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Saturation]

A regular doc will do. Ear trouble after a dive is very common, most of the time its not serious. Common issues are:

wax turns into mud and jams against the ear drum;
compressed air or salt water causes a serous otitis.

There are of course, serious issues that can happen, a key sign is that pain develops that has increased each day since the dive, discharge from ear, loss of hearing.

You could try an ear wax removal kit to see if this relieves issues.

 

[DandyDon]

Sorry to post yet another thread on ears.... but I was last diving 4 days ago (the last of a 3-day trip) and my ears still feel "muffled." When I hold my nose and blow I get a lot of movement inside my ears (I hear popping and crackling), but sounds are still muffled and it almost feels like the membranes inside my ear canals are inflamed.

I do have trouble clearing when I dive and I wonder if I just overdid it. I plan to see an ENT or otolaryologist (sp?) ASAP... for now I thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks!

Good luck on healing, hope you had a great time in Coz.

It gets easier with practice. Some of us are meeting up at Sat Rosa March 18 weekend. See Rocky Mountain thread

 

[pipedope]

I do agree that seeing a Doc is good.
You want someone who knows what they are doing to take a look and see what is what.

Second, LEARN more about your ears and diving. A very good video is at;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html

Streaming Video Lecture
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"
Scuba diving and snorkeling can be fun ways to explore the depths - especially if you can clear your ears as the pressure changes. In this video lecture Dr. Edmond Kay discusses techniques for preventing middle ear barotrauma. Learn what to do to equalize pressure in your ears, teach others proper techniques and learn the safest way to prevent "ear squeeze". This talk was recorded live in September, 2000 and is now available for Internet viewing over the University's video portal (broadband only).

The video will help you understand what is going on and how to better prevent trouble.

Myself, I have trouble with excess ear wax. This has been verified by doctors several times so for me my first action is a good ear cleaning. This is not for everyone. Most people have just enough ear wax and don't need extra cleaning.

With improved knowledge and increased practice, ear clearing gets much easier, faster and with less problems.

 

[Cheekymonkey]

I've wen twith the wax removal kits for similar problems, its gross but its worth a try.

 

[crpntr133]

I use to do the same and found out that it was all caused by coming up too fast. After the safety stop I try and take it really slow.

 

[breckgirl5]

Pipedope... I had found the link to that lecture earlier today on ScubaDoc before I even saw your post. Whate a Godsend. It sure explains a lot about my clearing problems. I sent it to a friend who just got back from Coz and ruptured his ear drum. I really want someone to look in my ears now.

I always take 3-5 minutes to descend due to my small Eustachian tubes, but I'm thinking I need to clear at th surface and take even LONGER now to prevent longer term damage. (After watching the lecture.)

Hey..ANOTHER QUESTION... if I go to the doc for a dive-related ear problem, do you think my insurance will cover, or will I need to involve DAN? I know I need to read my policy, but just wondering what's been your experience. Has anyone here been rejected by their insurance for this kind of thing?

 

[spectrum]

Hey..ANOTHER QUESTION... if I go to the doc for a dive-related ear problem, do you think my insurance will cover, or will I need to involve DAN? I know I need to read my policy, but just wondering what's been your experience. Has anyone here been rejected by their insurance for this kind of thing?

I would not expect a coverage problem. With bad luck you can do plenty of damage going to the bottom of a 12 foot swimming pool without scuba. This is probably not a scuba exclusive matter.

Pete

 

[DandyDon]

File with both, let DAN pay the coinsurance.

 

[fisherdvm]

I would go and see a doctor. It could be as simple as otitis externa, or infection and inflammation of the external ear (also known as swimmer's ear) which should respond to an ear drop.

It could be otitis media (which one poster mislead you by calling otitis externa "serous otitis) - which could be infected (purulent) or not infected (serous). This can be treated with decongestant, antihistamines, and antibiotic.

It could be ruptured ear drum, with bleeding into the inner ear.

It could be ruptured oval window, which can discharge fluid into the middle ear. This can lead to permanent hearing loss, but it is unlikely that you have this.

Best to see a good physician or an ENT to evaluate and follow up on this matter.