Do you have a perforated eardrum? Have you tried the mask Pro Ear or Doc's Pro Plugs?

[22islands]

I just found out that I have a prerrated eardrum in my left ear. Have you had a perforated ear drum and were you able to dive again? What did you do so it didn't happen again.

Have you tried the mask Pro Ear or Doc's Pro Plugs?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi 22islands,

Doc's Pro Plugs reduce, but by design do not entirely prevent, water from entering the external ear. In cases of perforated eardrum, any water entering the auditory canal can enter the middle ear space and cause an infection. See the following which appears upon a search of our archives (usually a good idea):

Stoppering the Problem: Do Ear Plugs Work Underwater?
Do vented ear plugs work? The topic comes up often.+ [Archive] - ScubaBoard - Scuba Diving Forum - Diving Social Network

As for Swimming Ear Protection Diving Masks ProEar 2000, I am acquainted with the man who developed this device and he gave me one some years ago (I’ve since given it to another diver). They’re kind of silly looking and take a while to master, but used properly typically are effective in keeping water out of the outer ear, but not absolutely foolproof. I know one diver (a diving medicine doctor!) with bilateral ruptured tympanic membranes who uses both the plugs and mask simultaneously.

Regards,

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.

 

[22islands]

Thank you very much for the quick response. I appreciate you letting me know about yourproduct and the other as well. I sawposted someplace that someone said if you use your plugs. To put cotton and a string through it then Vaseline. Doesn't that block the vent and prevent itfrom working properly?

 

[DocVikingo]

I appreciate you letting me know about yourproduct and the other as well. I sawposted someplace that someone said if you use your plugs. To put cotton and a string through it then Vaseline. Doesn't that block the vent and prevent itfrom working properly?

Hey 22islands,

Doc's Proplugs are not mine; I don't now & never have had anything to do with the company. Gee, I wonder if it's profitable ; )

You are correct that obstructing the vent in these plugs by any means could prevent them from working properly and more importantly, working safely. If one wants solid plugs, they simply can buy them and not bother with a silly cotton/string/vaseline technique. However, as solid ear plugs prevent equalization using them during scuba not only invites lots of pain, but a ruptured ear drum or worse.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[WetLens]

My wife dives regularly with perforated ear drums. She had weak spots in her eardrums from tubes placed in her ears as a child. While diving Stingray City, one of weak spots ruptured - blew off diving the rest of the trip. On return, she visited an ENT that (in my terms) super-glued patches over the weak spots on both ear drums. One held, the other created a flap that to this day will occasionally vent air. Since moving to NC, she has visited an ENT based on a referral from DAN. The doctor advised her of the risks, but gave clearance to continue diving. 400+ dives later, no problems. She still has an occasional "vent," but has not experienced any adverse issues with infection. Our only theory is the flap prevents water from getting in, but allows air out.

She tried using ProPlugs, but had problems keeping them in her ears throughout a dive. After several dives where they came out dangling on the strings (or lost), she gave up on them.

It is still rather disconcerting to see bubbles or hear air whistle out, but there is no keeping her out of the water...

 

[22islands]

That's great news to hear! Glad there is a light at the end of the tunnel with good news. I didn't want to give up my diving.

 

[gert7to3]

WetLens, I suggest you take a look at the Pro-Ear MAsk. I have used one for years, it will keep your ears dry during a dive.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

This isn't a product endorsement, but I have a good friend with badly damaged eardrums who dives in some pretty extreme conditions. He uses a Pro-Ear mask and is very happy with it. Like DocV said, they're not foolproof and if one or both of the cups leak there is risk of water intrusion into the middle ear and subsequent infection.

Best regards,
DDM

 

[22islands]

Thank you everyone. I go next week for the follow up ENT visit. Hope it goes well - then I will be ordering that crazy mask to give it a try.

 

[dapex]

I am due to do my 1st dive in a pro-ear mask tomorrow