Ear Problems

[RickH]

I'm new to scuba diving, and I had a problem arise while doing my pool session yesterday.

While in the pool I was equalizing often and never noticed a problem. On one of my descents I equalized at about 4 ft and felt a sharp pain in my left ear but the pain went away quickly and I didn't notice anything. Well about an hour later I was at the bottom of the pool (10ft.) and when I equalized I noticed that air was coming out of my left ear.

I told the instructor but he made it seem like it's no big deal, but I thought I would check and see if any one else has the same problem I do, and if it hinders their diving.

Before when I would equalize-either flying, driving etc. air never came out of my left ear. But now when I even do it now I can hear the air going out my ear.

 

[SparticleBrane]

Pour a mix of alcohol/vinegar down your ear. If you can feel it stinging all the way to your throat and can taste it, you've ruptured an eardrum.

Note that I am not a doctor, and the above will be incredibly painful if you HAVE ruptured and eardrum.

 

[wreckchick]

The fact that air bubbles are coming out of your ear means that there is a hole in your eardrum. Since you described a sharp pain that abated quickly, I'd say chances are pretty good you perforated it. Go to the ENT and have them advise you further.

Rachel

 

[ScubaSarus]

The instructor should have known better. To get to the instructor level, you have to know of types of ear injuries and possible symptoms. The air comming from your ear can only come from none other than via your middle ear past a hole in your ear drum.

Bypass your doctor and get to an ENT ASAP IMO just like what Rachel said..

 

[TSandM]

I agree with everybody else . . . There should not be air coming out of your ear when you equalize. If there is, the eardrum is not intact. This should be evaluated by a physician.

 

[jupitermermaid]

Rick,

I've always had problems with my ears, even when swimming laps before learning to dive. I'm also new to diving and concerned about recurrent ear infections and inability to equalize enough to find scuba enjoyable. I found a mask called the Pro Ear 2000, and it covers your ears, keeping them dry (and bacteria out as well as water). I love it and have no problems either equalizing or getting ear infections. After taking care of your current problem with the ENT, you might want to get further info on this type of mask to prevent further problems. (Also, as I found out the hard way, when you equalize, don't blow too hard, just enough to open the passageway).

Sandy

 

[ScubaSarus]

How many dives do you have on the pro ear mask. I see it going from $49 to $189 if you search for it.

Also how deep do you take it. Looks like it has tubes from the ear space to the mask space so you can breath into the ears probably to prevent sqeeze/

Nice design if it works and lasts say 4 years. But how does it work with a 7mm drysuit hood.

Actually if that mask works as it should, you can wear it during the healing process although not the wisest thing to do.

 

[jupitermermaid]

I got mine last week for $48.88 from diversports.com. It came with a free carrying case. The same model sells for all different prices depending on who you buy it from, but it's the same mask. I also bought a hood made specially for the Pro Ear. It's double hooded, with a peel back neoprene to expose an underhood with ear cutouts to accomodate the ear cups. Then you slip the overhood over the ear cups to double protect them. The manufacturer also says that you can make your own hood adaptable by simply cutting out the holes on a regular hood to accommodate the ear cups. I actually had an ear infection that was being treated by an ENT, and used the last of the medication one day before I used the mask for the first time (of course, I asked him if it was okay, and he checked it out and said it shouldn't be a problem). I found it to be more comfortable than a regular mask because of the fact that it prevents mask squeeze due to the ability to breathe through your nose once in a while to release pressure. If for some reason water does get into the ear cups, you empty it the same way you would your mask, though I didn't have any reason to have to try it on my dive. This weekend I'll be diving about 90' or more in spring water, so I can let you know if there's any difference between the 25' warm water dive I took this past weekend.

 

[RickH]

I went to the doctor today to get my ear checked out, and she said that my ear was not torn or ripped. Said there was fluid in both ears and that both ear drums were depressed- guess it means there's a negative pressure in my head. She couldn't really answer why air would consistently come out of my ear when doing the Valsalva manuever. Gave me meds and ear drops- got myself a sinus infection/cold 2 days after my pool session.

Is there another equalization technique that is just as effective as the Valsalva when diving?

 

[spectrum]

Good to hear there was no real damage.

Yes there are actually many alternatives to the Valsalva maneuver.

Spend some time with this presentation.

Pete