Ear Problems

[TRK]

:06:

I am very new to scuba diving. I have just completed my advanced open water certification, with only 12 total dives. My question is this: After every dive session, two to three local lake dives at an elevation of roughly 1700 feet, my ears always hurt. At one point, I had my ears checked, after detecting fresh blood. My eardrums were not ruptured, but seem to have problems with equalizing regardless of what techniques I use. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the discomfort besides Afrin, Guaifen, and Amoxicillin? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Fitzy]

Sounds like you need a specialist doctors advice and a thourough examination. Cant be good if you have traces of blood. Last thing you need is something to happen at 60ft ? If my memory serves me corect, Amoxicillin is an antibotic. So I Guess you already went to your GP.

Anyway, goodluck with it But you really should proceed very cautiously untill you fix your problem. Equalisation is a very important and fundemantal part of diving

 

[deep_n_blue]

Wow! Sorry to hear you had to go through all of that. I would definitely recommend seeing an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) doctor before diving again. If this is an ongoing problem you could be causing damage with each dive. Remember pain is a response from the body when something is wrong, never ignore it. Especially when the valuable treasure of hearing is concerned.

 

[fmerkel]

You are definitely having equalization problems. I suggest you take a look at this website: http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/

Read the info on [A tutorial on prevention of Ear Squeeze] and take the hour to watch the video [The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure]. Dr. Kay is a NW diver and one of the experts on equalization.

The above information will give you a much better idea if technique is the problem. You should STILL see an ENT to make sure there are no medical/mechanical issues (allergies, polyps, deviated septum, etc.) that need attention.

Fritz

 

[TRK]

Thank you all for the responses. I am in the process of seeing an ENT. With any luck, I will be off to San Carlos in no time!

Happy bubbles,
TRK