Hi
Have posted this on a UK forum but no one could identify the problem so now taking it on a world tour with the hope that at least one other person can identify the problem.
For the last 2 years I have been having problems with my right ear. Unusually this happens on ASCENT not descent. I can equalise on descent but now have reverse blocks or, a deep instant pain, on nearly every ascent which, clearly is not good. Other symptoms include, within the 1st dives, of a diving week, my ear becomes squishy ie. as if there is some water in it. The pain lies roughly in line with the ear lobe ie behind, in the head. I am not sure where this relates to, with respect to inner & mid ears?
To date I have been referred to the local NHS ENT department who wisked me through and having done basic tests, ie hearing, suggested that I give up diving!! I then visited two separate 'specialists' who advertise in the dive mags. They both suggested a narrow eustation tube and to do certain softening techniques before diving as well as early and anticipated equalisation. This didn't help and seemed to have missed the most important aspect of my problem....I can easily equalise on descent!!
Finally, at my wits end, I visited a highly recommended consultant in Bournemouth's Nufield Hospital. He is famous for dealing with diving problems especially among The Royal Navy. He did a very thorough examination with cameras being stuck up my nose all the way through. He then showed this back to me (nice!) explaining that I had a severely deviated septum on the right hand side. He was quite sure that an operation (2700) would sort this out but he wouldn't guarantee this. Upon receiving his report, my GP, with a lot of ENT experience, wasn't so sure.
Has anyone else had this problem and how was it sorted?
I would be very grateful for any advice and, ultimately, hear from someone who can positively identify this problem.
Many thanks for any advice anyone might be able to give.
Charlie
Have posted this on a UK forum but no one could identify the problem so now taking it on a world tour with the hope that at least one other person can identify the problem.
For the last 2 years I have been having problems with my right ear. Unusually this happens on ASCENT not descent. I can equalise on descent but now have reverse blocks or, a deep instant pain, on nearly every ascent which, clearly is not good. Other symptoms include, within the 1st dives, of a diving week, my ear becomes squishy ie. as if there is some water in it. The pain lies roughly in line with the ear lobe ie behind, in the head. I am not sure where this relates to, with respect to inner & mid ears?
To date I have been referred to the local NHS ENT department who wisked me through and having done basic tests, ie hearing, suggested that I give up diving!! I then visited two separate 'specialists' who advertise in the dive mags. They both suggested a narrow eustation tube and to do certain softening techniques before diving as well as early and anticipated equalisation. This didn't help and seemed to have missed the most important aspect of my problem....I can easily equalise on descent!!
Finally, at my wits end, I visited a highly recommended consultant in Bournemouth's Nufield Hospital. He is famous for dealing with diving problems especially among The Royal Navy. He did a very thorough examination with cameras being stuck up my nose all the way through. He then showed this back to me (nice!) explaining that I had a severely deviated septum on the right hand side. He was quite sure that an operation (2700) would sort this out but he wouldn't guarantee this. Upon receiving his report, my GP, with a lot of ENT experience, wasn't so sure.
Has anyone else had this problem and how was it sorted?
I would be very grateful for any advice and, ultimately, hear from someone who can positively identify this problem.
Many thanks for any advice anyone might be able to give.
Charlie
