can anyone help me?

[jonnyc1981]

Hi again as i have already said I am currently training. I have had all my pool sessions and on my last I felt a slight bocked sensation in my ear. I went to see my gp before having my open water dive and he said that my middle ear was slighty congested and that if I took sudafed and could equalise ok then it would be fine. So yesterday I headed for gildenburgh, a fresh water quarry in lincolnshire england. I entered the water and all felt ok when i equalised so went down we were under for 30mins down to 12 metres. I came up to find that I could hear ok but the blocked sensation was worse than ever. I tried to do my second dive but had to abort as i could not equalise. on the way up I felt alot of pain in my left ear ( the one thats blocked) and since have felt the blockage even more. I can hear out of it but am worried about the blocked feeling can anyone tell me what is wrong and if it will clear. Will it stop me diving for good or is there any help. Thanks for reading any advice would be great.

 

[SelkieDVM]

You might want to post this in the Diving Medicine subforum. Perhaps the mods might move it for you. . .

 

[jonnyc1981]

how do I ask the mods to do that?

 

[SelkieDVM]

You just did.

 

[TSandM]

jonnyc1981, this is one of the most common problems that new divers have. I don't think very many of us really got good coaching on how to equalize, or when, or how often, and barotrauma is common, especially in the pool where you are going up and down and up . . .

Now that you have barotrauma, you're going to need some time for it to resolve. Using ibuprofen (if you have no contraindications to it) and decongestants like Sudafed may speed the process. If the hearing loss is severe, or if it is persistent for more than a few days, or if it's associated with any degree of balance loss or vertigo, you should be evaluated by an ENT doc.

While you're waiting to go diving again, you might want to spend 45 minutes watching THIS excellent video on the diver's ear.

And no, this probably doesn't mean that you can't dive. It just means you need to get better at clearing your ears!

 

[jonnyc1981]

That video was so helpful. I'm thinking I may have been doing it all wrong. thanks very much hopefully it may clear up soon and I can start practicing those methods. May i just say again what a great forum!!!!!

 

[jmohr]

On my first OW dive i had the the same problem but had to decend very slowly. 20 Minutes for 26 feet. (My instructor had the patience of a saint) My Dr. told me I had brusied my eardrum. (thus the muffled sound)

It will heal and you will be able to keep diving......just be careful....Keep the drugs to a mininum and enjoy your life as a diver.

 

[DandyDon]

That video was so helpful. I'm thinking I may have been doing it all wrong. thanks very much hopefully it may clear up soon and I can start practicing those methods. May i just say again what a great forum!!!!!

That video has helped many. Wish Instructors would have their students watch it. I see that you just joined today - welcome.

 

[jonnyc1981]

Thanks again. This seems like an excellent forum soo many helpful people. cheers all.