Does barotrauma make you more susceptible to ear infections?

[jiveturkey]

On another board a poster was suggesting that diving without having properly equalized causes him to get ear infections. He noted that several times when he has descended further than he should have when having trouble equalizing, he has ended up with an infection. Is this substantiated or is it just a coincidence?

 

[beche de mer]

Does he get infections, or does he just suffer the consequences of barotrauma - i.e. an inflamed and painful ear-drum.

In theory, a traumatised ear drum would probably be more susceptible to infection, but I'm not aware of any data on the subject.

 

[d33ps1x]

beche de mer once bubbled...
Does he get infections, or does he just suffer the consequences of barotrauma - i.e. an inflamed and painful ear-drum.

In theory, a traumatised ear drum would probably be more susceptible to infection, but I'm not aware of any data on the subject.

What theory?

 

[jiveturkey]

beche de mer once bubbled...
Does he get infections, or does he just suffer the consequences of barotrauma - i.e. an inflamed and painful ear-drum.

In theory, a traumatised ear drum would probably be more susceptible to infection, but I'm not aware of any data on the subject.

He said "infection" so I'm going with that but I don't know for sure.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

My understanding is that the pressure differential for unsuccessful or inadequate equalization can cause fluid to move into the middle ear to attmept to either equalize a large pressure differential (on descent) or a small differential over time (a small pressure difference during the dive at depth). This fluid then remains in the ear until it is eventually reabsorbed over the course of a few days but while present can create an increased potential for infection.

 

[mempilot]

I experienced a baratrauma several months ago. I returned to diving after it healed. I haven't experienced any infections since. The ENT that did the initial exam after the trauma said I had an infection prior to the perf. I've always had abnormal wax build-up which I never cleaned out regularly. Salt/pool water always got trapped behind this wax and caused the infections.

I've logged many many dives since and I'm glad to say it seems better than it was prior to the trauma.

I do a better job of keeping my ears clean on a regular basis though. I use peroxide once a week for mx, and a combo of alch., vineger, and distilled water after each dive.

Due to my frequent diving and my job, I'm subject to pressure changes on a daily basis. My ENT believes that the constant equalization on my membranes have weakened them. Knock on wood, they feel great right now.

 

[d33ps1x]

Ok.

My understanding of the post was that beche de mar was saying you will always have an increased suseptibility to infection if you have ever had a barotrauma of the ear.

I hadn't heard of this and since I have hsuffered one in the past I was definately interested in information. Hence wondering what theory has been put forward regarding this.

 

[Bob3]

From my own experience, yes.
I am more likely to get infections immediately after abusing my poor ears.
(prone to reverse blockages).
That susceptability does not extend to when my ears are in "normal mode".
Your mileage may vary.

 

[beche de mer]

d33ps1x once bubbled...
Ok.

My understanding of the post was that beche de mar was saying you will always have an increased suseptibility to infection if you have ever had a barotrauma of the ear.

Sorry for not making myself clear. I meant that, immediately following bartotrauma (not necessarily perforation) you may be more susceptible to infection, on the grounds that injured and inflamed tissues are more susceptible to infection.

I was not implying any long term susceptibility.

 

[d33ps1x]

Thanks.

I was just wondering.

I had quite a nasty filling of fluid in the middle ears and a bit of infection from this when I first started diving.

My ears seem to have become increasingly less sensitive overtime but I still notice them a bit sore after pool sessions. Been in dirty water and pools a lot over the last few weeks and I notice my ears hurting (mildly) and jaw cracking a lot right now.