about my ears

[dani_p]

my ears have been bugging me like crazy lately. I went diving yesterday and also friday (two days previous)... friday, I am embarassed to say, I panniced... I ascended much too fast. (from 60 feet) scared myself good. yesterday I had a bit of troubble with my ears while I was decending- I felt like I was only partially clearing and then it would finnish the clear if I stayed at the same depth for a bit. on the way up it was also a slow clearing process. now my ears are hurting and Im getting a weird buzzing sound from time to time. should I see a doctor or is this going to cure on its own?
thank you!

 

[Firediver]

If it is still bothering you I would see your physician.. it could be nothing, or it could be a big problem.

 

[dc4bs]

Sounds like you may have traumatized your ears some on Friday. Not enought to bother you untill you dove again on Sunday but enough to cause some swelling or fluid/mucus in the eustacian(sp?) tubes.

This made Sundays equalizing harder and the additional irritation lead to what is going on now. You may have forced a small amount of fluid somewhere it shouldn't normaly be.

Personaly, I'd go see a doctor.

Most likely, they will simply tell you not to dive for a few weeks and that it will take care of itself.

BUT! It's better to have it checked out by a professional ENT than to guess wrong and possibly damage your ears permanently. If that ENT knows anything about hyperbaric trauma, that's a big plus as well.

 

[DandyDon]

It's better to have it checked out by a professional ENT than to guess wrong and possibly damage your ears permanently. If that ENT knows anything about hyperbaric trauma, that's a big plus as well.

Good answer!! {Family Feud still on the teli...?}

While you're waiting to see the ENT, chatting with the medics at DAN would could be helpful: 1+800-446-2671. Don't have to be a member, but it's a very good idea!

 

[dani_p]

1+800-446-2671. Don't have to be a member, but it's a very good idea!

thanks! I called them. the doctor told me to go see someone. Im going to go see my doc asap. it kind of sucks because Im not in any place that I can go see a diving doctor... I live kind of isolated.... but he said if my doctor calls and talks with the dive doctor then she should be able to do whatever is necessary.

 

[pipedope]

Go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html
and watch the video. It will help your understanding of what is going on and what to do.

"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 .

 

[DandyDon]

thanks! I called them. the doctor told me to go see someone. Im going to go see my doc asap. it kind of sucks because Im not in any place that I can go see a diving doctor... I live kind of isolated.... but he said if my doctor calls and talks with the dive doctor then she should be able to do whatever is necessary.

Excellent! A lot of Candian divers don't bother with DAN insurance, since y'all have free medical coverage, but they're still an excellent resource. Your local physician can discuss your case with an experienced Dive Doctor if he will call.

Even if you don't buy dive insurance from DAN, you can be a supporting member - if you'd be interested. Or, if you ever dive anywhere away from Canada, they have great dive insurance...