Blocked Ears

[steve_r0binson]

Hi,
You all most probably have had this Q before, but here we go.

I had a cold in Jan and had blocked ears. Most of the blockage was gone when I went diving in Feb, but not all. When assending my ears crackled a lot and for a while were very painfull (an hour). Since I have been back my ears are OK but I still think there is a bit of "junk" still in them, right on the other side of the ear drum. Is there anything I can try to clear this last bit of stuff? I can hear OK and also went to the Doc's and had them checked, she said they were OK. I think I just need the final clean and I'll be back to normal. I dived in a pool to 4 mts yesterday and they clicked this morning but with no pain. I am due to dive in June to 30 mts and I'm worried in case they hurt again.

Thank you in advance for any replies.
Steve

 

[nickjb]

The usual 'don't try this at home' and 'I'm not a doctor' etc..

My friend had similar trouble out in Egypt. The Instructor suggested inhaling salt water through her nose. Not very pleasant, lots of coughing... but totally clear ears and sinuses.

The technique was to flood the mask and breath in through the nose. Do this on the surface (or in the bathroom)

Or you take a few sudafed.

Or finally sniff some albus oil. This stuff clears you out good.

 

[Arnaud]

If the doc says your ears are OK but you're not able to properly equalize or if you still feel some pain, you may want to see someone else. Is he/she an ENT specialist with some diving medicine understanding?

 

[steve_r0binson]

Thanks you two. I will do both. Going to stoney cove UK next week (cold!) so I can see how my ears are then.

 

[Arnaud]

Steve, if you "can see" yours ears, there's definitely a problem with them