Ear problems

[airhog2]

Hello im very new to diving, only three dives so far.I having a reaccuring problem with my right ear,and Im afraid I'll have to stop diving.I cant seem to get it to equalise at depths over 25 ft no matter what I do swallowing, holding nose and blowing etc.my last dive was 2wks ago and I still have water in my inner ear.Ive tried hanging head over bed,while holding nose and blowing, alcohol etc and nothing is working is there some kind of trick Im not doing,this was one of the greatist experiences of my life! Ive been hopeing to do this for a long time, now that I have I dont wanna stop. but I dont want to lose my hearing either.Im 42 and when I was a 7yrs old I had tubes put in my ears for water drainage,and the removal was painful (I remember it like yesterday) Im wondering if that is the reason for this reaccuring problem. any suggestions? I would be greatful for the help.

 

[publicsafetyinstr]

I would suggest one of 2 items. Doc's pro plugs or the new ear guards. either of these can help. I would also say to use some "swimmers ear" after each dive. There are many home remedies - as simple as do not allow wind from a car to blow on your ears for 24 hours to meds.

 

[marshallkarp]

You might want to see an Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist. I had a problem with my left ear and he fixed me up. Oh, try to find one that knows about diving physiology.

 

[Chip & Evette]

We second, the "Doc's Earplugs" for scuba diving, some dive shops have started carrying them or you may have to order them on-line. We both wear them, and haven't had a problem with our ears since (knock on wood).
Best of luck to you!

 

[airhog2]

thanks for your help. I have apt to see E.N.T doc next week.Guess I'll have to see what he says. keeping fingers crossed.

 

[airhog2]

Ive tried the swimmers ear products along with other remedies no luck. I have appt with E.N.T doc next week, thanks for help though.
I will try the ear plugs when doc clears me for another dive. Thanks again to everyone who responded.

 

[publicsafetyinstr]

Please let me know. I have one student who was having issues - and so far the fitted "pro-plug" has worked well for her. I am very interested to know more. I would also like to know what your ENT has to say. Thanks for keeping me posted.

you could also speak with someone at DAN and see what they have to say. I am 43 and hope you stick around for a while as well.

 

[bleeb]

You may already know this, but in case you don't, are you equalizing often enough as you go down? This is a common beginner error. Think about how often you equalize driving up or down a large hill, or in an elevator in a large building. Well, a 500' altitude change above the surface is equivalent to a bit less than 8" of water, and most people equalize more often than every 500' driving up and down large hills. If you wait for much more than a couple feet, the reverse pressure may prevent equalization, or require such vigorous equalization that you damage something, making it swell slightly, making future equalization even more difficult until the swelling goes down.

Another mistake a lot of people make is to tilt their head forward when trying to equalize, especially if they're reaching up with a hand to plug their nose. AFAIK, in most people this tends to close the Eustachian tubes. Try making sure your head is in line with your body and your chin pointed slightly up.

You may also want to have a look at this (long) video on equalization techniques. For some people, it's just a matter of finding which one works best for you, under different conditions (cold, deep, wearing a hood, etc.): Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page

You also mention feeling like you have water in your inner ear. I'm not a doctor or medic of any form, but basic diving first aid suggests that barotrauma of some form could have occurred, and this could be bodily fluids, in which case there may be no medicine other than time, for your body to heal and reabsorb the fluids, typically a week or two. If you did manage to blow something backwards up the Eustachian tubes, infection is a possibility, which could be really bad. If you have any discomfort or hearing issues, you probably want to consider trying to move up that planned ENT visit of yours, before anything potentially permanent can occur. For that matter, you mentioned that the problem's been sticking around for two weeks, which for me would be starting to be a bit of a while.

The medical types that frequent this forum may also have more or better suggestions.

 

[TSandM]

Yipes! I put a lovely, long answer on this thread, with links and everything, and it's gone

I agree that part of the problem may well be failing to equalize soon enough. And I also agree that you should stay out of the water until you are evaluated by the doctor. I do not recommend trying to dive using any earplugs or other gadgets until the evaluation is done. Diving without being able to equalize can result in permanent hearing loss or permanent vertigo (and I can't imagine trying to live with THAT!)

In addition to the good video link you've already gotten, HEREFreediving Explained - How to Freedive Manual: Equalization Techniques is a link on equalizing techniques which might also be helpful. You can practice equalization on land -- you can use the technique and you'll feel your ears sudden "fill" -- a simple swallow will relieve the pressure, and you can do it again. Assuming there is no force utilized, there is no harm in practicing this frequently when you are not diving, until you are quite good at it on land.

Let us know what the doctor says.

 

[InTheDrink]

One tiny side note - don't focus on it too much on dry land. I remember one time I had big problems equalising and I felt an idiot and kept trying to equalise when on shore. The result: the constant workload on my ears just made them worse when all they need was some R & R.

Like I say, a side note only; TSandM is the lady to listen to for all things bio round here.

J