Ear troubles after diving

[Bigbird]

I am a new diver (just had first open water). I noticed problems equalizing, even while doing to pool dives. I would slow down, ascend a little and then be able to equalize.

I remember getting a pretty big pop the first time in the pool when I tried to equalize. I don't know if I blew to hard or what.

During the first open water (38 feet 36 minutes) I was able to equalize, but it took a long time, compared to the other divers.

After surfacing, I noticed a continuing pressure in my ears, similar to when you land in a plane and need to chew gum. I continued to clear the pressure, but it continued through the next day.

I feel it build up, I yawn, blow, wiggle my jaw and it clears, but then returns.

Did I damage my ear (drums) during the first pool dive and this problem is residual? Or is this normal?

Thanks

 

[RiverRat]

Bigbird once bubbled...
I am a new diver (just had first open water). I noticed problems equalizing, even while doing to pool dives. I would slow down, ascend a little and then be able to equalize.

Hey there, I'm a new diver too and can relate to your equalizing issues. I just finished my OW dives yesterday, and still feel like I just got off a plane. Sat. I did my first 2 dives and when I woke up Sunday my right nostril was plugged so I'm assuming I have a little sinus trouble. I was sleeping on my right side so that would explain the right blockage. Anyway, Sunday on one of the last 2 dives I had some pain on decent, stopped, ascended several feet and was able to equalize ok. Also at the end of a dive I could hear "hissing" as air was escaping my ears. I'm assuming this was air escaping through "restricted" passages hence the noise.
This is why it is generally recommended that you NOT dive if you have a cold, sinus infection etc. (I took the chance as I did not want to blow my OW cert. dives and was mild sinus at best) I have heard stories of DM's recommending Sudafed or something before a dive to help with sinus, but I was also told that one SHOULD NOT take a decongestant in case it wears off on the dive you could get a reverse blockage on ascent. You would have pain on ascent because pressurized air could not escape. Let's wait and see what scubadoc has to say about this stuff.

RiverRat

 

[Bigbird]

for the reply Riverrat, I guess I am not alone. I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a dive ender. I have read other posts and some similars are appearing with MD's suggesting to stop diving until it clears up.

The pool pressure was gone after the next day, I am still waiting to see how long the ocean one stays. I guess I'll just log it in my dive book and keep it in mind for dive vacations.

 

[Tractor Tom]

...has bothered to see a doctor about the problem? Read my post in the Deco board about "Is that blood coming out of your ear..." and make sure to read the WHOLE thing. I just got over a very serious infection in both ears, several weeks of severe pain, blood and puss running out of my ears for what started as a little pressure in my ears, and a problem equalizing...

Don't take a chance. Cost me $550 for antibiotics, and $350 in doctors visits because I waited a while to see the ENT.

RUN, don't walk to a good ENT and get checked out, and tell him that 'old Dad' sent you for a checkup. You'll thank me later....

 

[pipedope]

It is a good idea for you to get checked out by a Dr. Best is an ENT (ear nose and throat) who dives and does diving medicine.

I did that the first time I had a similar problem and found out that I tend to build up excessive wax in my ears. I need to clean them out regularly. If this is your problem the ENT can clean them for you and tell you how to keep them in top shape.

For info you can watch a cool video about ears and diving at;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html

Look for;

Streaming Video Lecture
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"

Scuba diving and snorkeling can be fun ways to explore the depths - especially if you can clear your ears as the pressure changes. In this video lecture Dr. Edmond Kay discusses techniques for preventing middle ear barotrauma. Learn what to do to equalize pressure in your ears, teach others proper techniques and learn the safest way to prevent "ear squeeze". This talk was recorded live in September, 2000 and is now available for Internet viewing over the University's video portal .

 

[RiverRat]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the ear info! Now that some people are talking about blood, sinus infections etc. I realize that my ear issues deserve a doctor visit! Hoping just wax build up but will get checked out! This board is great, especially for new divers.
Even with all the local DS training, they're not doctors so one cannot expect answers to physical stuff that goes on with your body and diving.

Thanks again,
RiverRat

 

[RiverRat]

Hello All,
I took you all's advice and went to a local ENT. I have some fluid on the inside of the left eardrum and more fluid on the inside of the right. I've learned my lesson! Even "slight" sinus without full blown nasal secretions etc. can still be indicative of a sinus INFECTION according to the ENT. He basically said no diving for about 3 weeks and if left unchecked should clear on it's own. He's got me on Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) 2 sprays per nostril per day. I understand this is to clear the nasal passages (a topical steroid type drug) and is used for allergies etc., but now that I think about it shouldn't some type of antibiotic help with the fluid/healing in the ear? I have now developed pain in the left external ear indicative of swimmer's ear so I have started using the "home brew" of 50% vinegar and 50% distilled water as well. If anyone can provide info on past treatment methods for this it would be greatly appreciated. Want to make sure doc did not miss a treatment step.

Bigbird go see an ENT!

RR

 

[Bigbird]

I will go see an ENT, right after my next dive. We did two dives today, the pressure is still there but no pain. I am equalizing much beter now, but I heard that could be a sign of a ruptured eardrum. But, without the pain, I think it's just water behind the drum.

I thin kthe water is geting there via my nose, I take in alot of salt water when clearing my mask, and I get a nice rush of salt water out of my nose after dives when taking a shower.

Our next dive will be a boat dive at the kelp beds in SD and I will be certified after that. Then I can take the three weeks off and heal, until I start my next class.

I haven't decided if I am going to do advanced open water or adventure, but I am definitely doing one this winter.

thanks for the info

Later