Ear problem

[Buccaneer]

Sometimes after diving I have this reoccurring issue with my right ear. I notice that for days (up to 5 once) after diving my right ear will continue to crackle , gurgle and pop anytime I blow my nose, or sneeze, or gently try to clear it. Sometimes it will even give a plugged sensation. I feel like there is water still trapped behind the drum or something.
The part that concerns me is that I will get this sharp continual pain behind my ear lobe, in that indented area behind the ear and jawbone. This is only the second time I have experienced this pain before. Last time it lasted for 3 days. This time it has been hurting for about 2 days. I last went diving on Thursday, and it is now early Monday morning as I type this. I am going to pop some Sudafed and see if that dries it up. How concerned should I be about this? The problem is always my right ear. The pain is bearable, but uncomfortable enough to keep me from sleeping very well. I dive alot, and don't want to take Sudafed all the time. iI am medicated for mild hypertension, so the Sudafed isn't good for my BP. Thanks!

 

[pipedope]

Go directly to the ENT
Do not pass go
Do not collect $200

Do a search on ear trouble, there are lots of threads on this subject here on SB.

 

[Mako Mark]

Pain is BAD, but nothing to panic about.

It sounds like you have an equalization problem that is physiological rather than the 99% of people that have technique problems.

You may have a small or wrinkly eustacean tube, or some scar tissue there that makes your right ear difficult to equalize.

Check with your doctor or the nearest hyperbaric doctor if they have a steriod treatment. My Ex Girlfriend had this issue andthey made her blow up balloons with her nose for a couple of weeks to stretch the tube out a bit.