Ear Problem Possible Barotrauma

[G-lock]

Good day all-
I just got back from my open water checkouts and a couple dives on the Speigel Grove. All went well expect on the last dive on the Grove I had clearing problems, but, I was able to ascend and clear and was able to complete the dive. Now I have what feels like water in the middle ear. When I equalize it sounds like bubbles being blown thru the ear but I can equalize normally. I suffered a small amount of pressure pain during the dive and when I blew my nose later in the day I had a tiny amount of blood in the mucus. I have no vertigo and maybe a just perceptible ringing but only if it is very quiet. So is this barotrauma and how does one get water introduced into the middle ear? Is this the result of a perforation or is what I an describing as bubbling water be blood?? I will call my doc Monday I was just seeking thoughts. The condidition is not painful just annoying! Thanx in advance. Jeff

 

[rmediver2002]

Well it sounds like a middle ear squeeze to me...

This can occur even when no pain is felt, it takes longer usually. As the outsde pressure increases the air within the middle ear begins to contract causing in effect a negative pressure in the middle ear, something must fill this space to equalize the pressure. Several things could occur:

1) You add some additional air to the space by performing a valsalva, swallowing, stretching your jaw. etc...

2) blood and tissue are drawn into the middle ear to equalize the pressure this is the fluid in your middle ear right now more than likely...

3) you rupture the tempatic membrane allowing water to enter the space and equalize the pressure.

4) you rupture either the round or oval window allowing the inner ear fluid to drain into the middle ear and equalize the pressure...

Many times people will forget to clear while conducting pool training since the pressure may not be great enough to cause pain, this results in a feeling of fullness in the middle ear similar to what you are describing (blood in the middle ear space)

Stay ahead of the pressure change, and periodically valsalva so slight pressure changes to not cause a squeeze...

You may need to slow your decent rate some to stay ahead of the pressure...

Jeff Lane

 

[seadog]

your ear problems. Can't help you there but have a couple of questions.

You just did your OW dives and you then dove the Grove? How deep? And what dive OP took you out there?

 

[G-lock]

rmediver2002-

After some more research, I'm pretty sure I managed to give myself a mild middle ear barotrauma, shouldn't be any big deal but I'm off to see the Doc on Monday to get it checked tho. Should pass in a week or so.


seadog-
We finished our open waters on Sunday and Monday and then we paid for a guide to dive the Grove, he went with us the on the first tank, saw we had it together and let us loose on the second. We were down to between 87 and 100 ft and the current was moderate. I'll PM you the dive op. Jeff