Does the eardrum repair/implant operation hold up for diving!?

[BGWOJ]

Hi,
I received a lot of very helpful advice last time I posted on here so now have another question!
After being struck by lightning in 2015 I ended up with one eardrum being totally destroyed. Two years later I have a flap of skin covering the hole which the doctors tell me is as good as it’s going to get. My hearing is pretty good but when I dive (only couple of meters) it ruptures again. I now use Docpro vented plugs with the IST Proear mask. I’m happy enough with the mask but am looking at any other options available to get me back diving properly for work & leisure. My doctor says that the operation may not work too well for diving & is worried that it won’t hold up under the pressure. Has anyone had this eardrum repair/implant procedure & how’s it been diving!? Any advice will be very welcome! Thanks.

 

[Marktan]

FWIW, and I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination. My wife had her eardrum repaired/replaced (like Face-off peel the skin back from an incision behind the ear and go in) after a complete rupture from a runaway infection about 13 years ago. She has had zero issues diving since getting certified almost 3 years ago, but that's a lot of time that has passed between the injury and when she got into the water. I'm going to guess that you will be out of the water for a while after the procedure. Bottom line is do what the doctor recommends.

 

[BGWOJ]

FWIW, and I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination. My wife had her eardrum repaired/replaced (like Face-off peel the skin back from an incision behind the ear and go in) after a complete rupture from a runaway infection about 13 years ago. She has had zero issues diving since getting certified almost 3 years ago, but that's a lot of time that has passed between the injury and when she got into the water. I'm going to guess that you will be out of the water for a while after the procedure. Bottom line is do what the doctor recommends.

Ok, thanks for that. Good to know that your wife has been able to dive with the implant.

 

[Marktan]

My wife just mentioned that she did do a couple resort dives about 2 years after the procedure and was playing water polo at the time.

 

[BGWOJ]

My wife just mentioned that she did do a couple resort dives about 2 years after the procedure and was playing water polo at the time.

Ok, thanks. Good to know.