Ear hiss

[Mike126]

Today I was doing a refresher dive and I was having prblems equalizing my right ear. I descended VERY slowly down the platform marker line. At one point my ear got a little more pressure and when I tried to equalize it I heard a slight hissing. No pain, just a slight hiss.

Did I do anything to hurt my ear drum? I'm not feeling any significant pain.

Mike

 

[hgroberts]

I don't think so, I know the his you are talking about, try equalizing right now in front of the computer, and if the hiss comes back you should be fine.

This happended to me over the summer, had troubke equalizing, came to the sserface, and then equaized fine, the prolbem came when I tried to equalize on land.

I still don't know what happened, so if you are worried I would call dan.

 

[TSandM]

Sound is an indication of turbulent flow as a general rule. If your ear "hissed", it is likely that your Eustachian tube was only open a little bit, and the airflow through it was turbulent. If you were successful in equalizing, had no pain, and have no further symptoms, then it was just an item of interest.

I'd been diving for six months before I found out that most people hear a hiss or pop or crackle when they are going UP. My ears have never made any sound while ascending. It's an individually variable thing.

 

[Mike126]

Thanks for the replies. Everything seems fine.... I woke up this morning and my ears fell great. Maybe I need to dive more!

Mike

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Mike126,

In general, if you experience no discomfort, dizziness, changes in hearing acuity, tinnitus or other signs or symptom of ear damage, you haven't sustained any.

As you are into refresher courses, perhaps a refresher on equalization of the middle ear space may prove of benefit. I find this video very informative:

The Ear Under Pressure
http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.aspx?rID=2272

Best of luck.

DocVikingo

 

[Mike126]

Doc - I've watched the video several times and really enjoy it. I've learned a lot from it. I need to schedule time with my ENT to sit with me and go through equalization techniques and how to develop better E-tube function. I've had a history of sinus issues and getting back into diving ear equlization is the only thing that has me nervous. It's the ear fear!

Mike

 

[Jamie_r]

My ears ring constantly, I can hear it when ever it is quiet, I belive its from playing drums in bands for the last couple years but do you think that diving will add to the damage?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Jamie r,

Damage to the ear from barotrauma or DCS could exacerbate an existing case of tinnitus, as well as create additional hearing impairments, e.g., decreased hearing acuity.

However, as long as one dives only when they can equalize easily and gently, and follows all steps to avoid DCS, the risk should be considerably less than with continuing to play in bands where the ears are regularly exposed to harmful decibel levels.

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.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Jamie_r]

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.

Regards,

DocVikingo

Understood,
Thank you for your help and wisdom


-Jamie