Another ear question.... ENT was no help!

[JohnnyStep]

About 4 weeks ago when I did my OW checkout dives, I had some problems equalizing my ears on the 1st and 2nd dives on Saturday. After the 2nd dive, even though I was having trouble, I foolishly did a bounce to 25 feet to get a shared-air ascent skill out of the way. On the way up from the platform, I had a painful reverse block in my right ear. I sat out the rest of the day Saturday, but for the rest of the day I felt like my ears were plugged up; more so on the right than the left. By late Saturday evening, both ears felt much better, but the right still felt a little plugged up.

On Sunday my ears felt better, so I decided to continue diving. I was advised to take a couple of Sudafed tablets (no flames or debate, please) and had no problems equalizing on Sunday, but after diving, my right ear again felt like it was blocked up. The blocked up feeling didn't go away this time, so about a week after the trip, I decided to see an ENT. He basically looked in my ears and said everything looked fine, and didn't really give me any explanation as to why my ear felt blocked up. He gave me some Rhinocort and another similar spray, and sent me on my way. Needless to say, I will not be going back to this guy.

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, the feeling of my ear being plugged up gradually went away, but now when I bend over I get a sensation in my right ear like there's water in there. Also, when I swallow or yawn, I have a little more of a pop in my right ear than the left. Other than that, I feel fine, but I'm worried that there might be something going on that the ENT didn't see that I need to address.

Has this ever happened to anyone else for this long? Should I try to see a better ENT, or do I just need to wait a couple more weeks. I really wanted to go diving this Sunday, but I don't know if I'm OK to go or if I should wait.

--John

 

[TSandM]

It might be worth contacting DAN to see if they have a diving-savvy ENT doc in your area (I can't imagine that there isn't one in a place as big as Chicago). There are middle and inner ear injuries that can occur with failure to equalize, and some of them can significantly damage your hearing. I'd get it checked.

 

[JohnnyStep]

It might be worth contacting DAN to see if they have a diving-savvy ENT doc in your area (I can't imagine that there isn't one in a place as big as Chicago). There are middle and inner ear injuries that can occur with failure to equalize, and some of them can significantly damage your hearing. I'd get it checked.

DAN did have one ENT on their list for the Chicagoland area, but they were all the way downtown, which would be a huge inconvenience for me to go all that way. I would much rather find a good ENT that's closer to me, so I can build a relationship with that doctor, and have easier access to them when needed.

If anyone reading this can suggest a good ENT in the Schaumburg or Lake Zurich areas, I would appreciate it.

--John

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Johnny,

A small amount of fluid may remain in the middle ear following barotrauma and can escape detection by otoscopic examination. The amount isn't enough to result in discomfort, muffling of sounds or difficulty equalizing. Yet, it can cause small popping sensations under the muscular forces of actions like swallowing, yawning or particular movements of the jaw.

It is expected that with time this fluid will drain away and/or be absorbed, but this can take 4-6 weeks. Should such popping not clear with time, or become significantly worse, consultation with an ENT would be prudent. It also would be prudent not to dive until it resolves or a specialist gives clearance for scuba.

You may wish to call the doctor provided by DAN and inquire if s/he can make a referral closer to your home.

Helpful?

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Regards.

DocVikingo

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Here are a string of previous threads that may help address your problem:
http://www.scubaboard.com/search.php?searchid=3149793

 

[NCSCUBADOOBA]

I had a middle ear barotrauma and experienced almost identical symptoms. Mine "drained" after 11 days, but for many weeks it still felt like a small amount of fluid was still in there.
I hope your condition improves
Angela