blocked ear tube - during diving

[Stenella]

the last 3 years I took a cortison spray during my cave diving holidays in france. but nevertheless during some dives my ear tube blocked with mucous and made my way back out difficult.

has anyone experienced the same proplem? how can it be treated? (over or under water)

thanks a lot
stenella

 

[crpntr133]

I have the same problem, I think. Mine happens when I come up too fast or overnight. If I come up too fast then it is instant and lasts for days. No pain, just the ears plug up and is hard to hear out of. This also happens overnight sometimes. The only thing that I have found that helps at all is a nasal spray and a lot of it at once, 4 sprays at a time. Sinus tablets don't help but I haven't tried Sudafed.

 

[Stenella]

to crpntr133
thanks for your answer
but my ear tube blockes only during diving...

after a 400 m cave dive penetration the ear tube was blocked on one side, so the way back out was very difficult

certain you know Norbert Rosing... he published greatfull polarbear pictures

Stenella

 

[crpntr133]

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Maybe we both will get an answer.

Don't know of Norbert Rosing but I will sure look him up. The polar bear has inside meaning for my girlfriend and myself...loooonngg story.

 

[fmerkel]

I have sinus and ear equalization problems also. Using a steroid spray and being VERY careful on descent has pretty much taken care of it. Steroid sprays work slowly so may need 1-2 weeks (sometimes more) of regular use before being effective. You still have to use good clearing technique. Small amount of trauma on descent will cause swelling and reverse block on ascent.

I suggest you take a look at this website: http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/

Read the info on [A tutorial on prevention of Ear Squeeze] and take the hour to watch the video [The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure]. Dr. Kay is a NW diver and one of the experts on equalization.

The above information will give you a much better idea if technique is the problem. You should STILL see an ENT to make sure there are no medical/mechanical issues (allergies, polyps, deviated septum, etc.) that need attention.

Fritz