Barotrauma symptoms lasting more than a month -- help!

[doctormike]

Well, it would be pretty unlikely for you to get a permanent (i.e. nerve, or sensorineural) hearing loss without a perilymph fistula (leakage of inner ear fluid), or decompression illness of the inner ear - both of those are pretty rare. MUCH more likely is a conductive hearing loss, which is temporary and related to fluid in the middle ear, etc...

But this can all be settled with a good audiogram (in a booth, with an audiologist)...

Hope things get better soon!

Mike

 

[DandyDon]

Which decongestant have you been using, and why so resistant to using decongestants & anti inflamtories? Scuba diving is not a natural act and some of us need chemical assistance - other than the Sea Gypsies who just pierce their ear drums as babies and get it over with.

 

[tech3324]

It is now approximately a month since I dived. (1) Is it normal to still feel symptoms? (the popping and clicking when I swallow) (2) At this point is all I can do is just wait this out? (3) Is continuing on decongestants or anti inflammatories crucial to recovery? I would prefer not being on anymore pharmaceuticals and junk.
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I had relatively mild barotrauma (http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/428839-unresolved-barotrauma-what-do-next.html), saw an ENT twice, did two regimens of antibiotics and steroids, and had a full hearing test (no nerve damage). Now ten weeks later I still have muffled hearing in that ear with popping and cracking sensations, although no pain. The ENT said it may take 3+ months to completely clear unless I opt for the tube through the eardrum procedure. So I will continue to wait. I do wonder if it is safe to go diving yet as I have an opportunity on 9/23.

I would suggest that you give your situation more time to resolve on it's own.