Chamber visit with Ear Infection?

[toefa]

Hi Guys,

Our regular dive shop is putting on a night where we visit the Hyperbaric Chamber tonight and of course, yesterday i developed a rather painful ear infection.

It seems as though i can equalize without any pain but i am wondering if it would be bad to go through with the dry dive?

Thanks,

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi toefa,

It is not indicated whether the infection is of the external ear (otitis externa) or middle ear (otitis media) (Basic ear anatomy -- http://www.valleyhealth.com/images/image_popup/w17_earanatomy.jpg), which is quite important in making such a decision as it is middle ear infections that can obstruct equalization.

Being able equalize without pain is critical to a safe dry dive and if an individual can so a chamber ride probably is without undue risk.

This notwithstanding, the conservative course of action would for a diver with an ear infection to pass on it until the condition has completely resolved.

Barotrauma to the ear can result in permanent damage and there will be other opportunities to take an instructional dry dive.

Helpful?

Best of luck.

DocVikingo

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.

 

[toefa]

Hi DocVikingo,

Thanks alot for the response, it is very helpful! I saw it upon my return however, and have come back with no additional pain thankfully.

I advised the nurse before entering the chamber and was told that i could indicate at any time i was feeling discomfort and i would be able to start 'ascending' separately to the group. I actually think it felt better during the dry dive than it does at 1ATA.

I am of the assumption that the infection is in the external ear, as equalization was not a problem. I think i scratched just on the inside of the ear canal causing the infection, but the pain can be felt down my neck and into my jaw

The chamber was fantastic btw. We went to 18 metres and had some objects to show the effects of the compression such as balloons and coke bottles which was very cool.

Thanks again for your help.