deviated septum question

[penguinfeet]

I have read some of the other posts about diving and deviated septums, but I didnt catch the answer to my question, so heres the deal:

I started having alot of trouble equalizing - pressure, dizziness, ringing ears, the whole nine yards. I was refered to a ENT by my primary care physician, and had a hearing test and CT scan. The ENT told me flat out that he had NO experience with diving related issues. After reviewing both of my tests told me that although my septum was deviated this would not cause a problem with diving and that there was no other obvious reason for my issues and said to me, "just don't dive anymore." This not being the answer I wanted to hear I asked a few of my dive master friends about their experiences and they mentioned that a deviated septum can cause problems with equalization. Aggrivated, I called the ENT back and was told very smugly that because my deviated septum does not block a sinus, it could not be the root of my problems with clearing. So my question to you is DOES A DEVIATED SEPTUM HAVE TO BLOCK A SINUS TO CAUSE EQUALIZATION PROBLEMS?

And yes, I am in the process of finding a ENT with SCUBA experience for a second opinion -easier said then done withan HMO!

Thanks for all you help.
c.

 

[scubabear]

I too have a deviated septum, ENT wanted to repair when 30yr. old. I have refused due to fact that I've never had problems equalizing from 0-130ft. Often times I find myself waiting for buddies to make it to depth. IMO the dev.septum acts as a finger pinch to the nose, allowing eustacian tube to open when little pressure is exhaled through nose. After so many years, I think I'd find it hard to adjust. On the other hand, my wife has always had difficulty equalizing. If attempting to ascend at anything but a snails pace, she will get vertigo. Luckly Sudafed before diving, and frequent diving, has increased her ability to decend. It's the airplane decents that kill her. Since all other tests seem OK, I would take a decongestant and concentrate on decending SLOWLY ( 1ft ) at a time, same on the ascent and see what happens. Of course if this is something that's come on suddenly, then I'd try to find a diving ENT(like finding hen's teeth) and contact D.A.N.. On another issue, the ringing in the ears, that was original reason for ENT visit. After every test known to man I was diagnosed with Menier's disease, code for we don't know whats causing the bells of St. Mary's. 2yrs. later, tried chiropractor, instant relief. Been getting ocaisional cervical adjustments for 23yrs., still diving and no more bells. Seriously, the dev. septum repair would not be my first choice. Best of luck, and please post if situation gets rectified. John

 

[crpntr133]

I was in the same boat and had the surgery. I had no choice if I wanted to dive. On my OW cert dives I got to 15' and could go no further. I also had troubles while flying.
While my septum was over it didn't totally block a sinus. My main culprit was that the drainage was going right across my estachion tube, only. Now that I have had the surgery I have no problems and can clear by just swallowing.
While the surgery wasn't the most pleasant thing that I have done in my life it wan't bad at all. I had the surgery on a Thursday and had the packing taken out on Sunday. I have heard horror stories but I think techniques have changed in the past few years.

 

[rickyd]

Penguin,

You didn't complete your profile, so we don't know where you're located. My ENT is also a diver. I recently had a septoplasty. First dives will be next weekend.

Many of us may be able to provide referrals.

 

[dleffert]

My GP is a diver, and referred me to an ENT at my request - me hoping that fixing the deviated septum would help equalizing. The GP told me not to have high expectations, and the ENT told me it wouldn't affect my equalizing one way or the other. They both were right - thank goodness for Sudafed.

I'm sure, though, that not all deviated septums are created equally and YMMV.