ear tubes??? Any docs out there???

[pippin65]

Hi. Does fluid in my middle ear preclude me from diving? The fluid is chronic in nature, probably not due to infection but rather from an imcompetent eustacian(sic) I saw a, was it, proear 2000 mask that covers the ears...

Any thoughts? Any dive md's in the tampa bay area...

Help me become the diver I've always wanted to be.


Thanks

 

[chrispete]

You may want to post this in the Diving Medicine forum, the board has several good docs that could probably answer your question.

 

[m3830431]

Not a doctor but as long as you don't get a brain freeze it shouldn't matter.

 

[minnesota01r6]

here's a good place to start:
http://www.scuba-doc.com/entprobs.html#ENT_Guidelines

Relative Contraindications
* Eustachian tube dysfunction

I guess the answer is that it could be, but you need to get it looked at by an ENT that is familiar with scuba medicals.

 

[LadyScuba]

My advice is to see an ENT, preferrably one who dives but not mandatory.

I have a reconstructed eardrum and middle ear...and I dive. Most who have had the work done that I have had are not able to dive so I am very fortunate. I do have to get regular exams (visual and CT scans) by an ENT. I also have to get a letter from my ENT when I do training.

I shocked my doc when I said I would not consider surgery to restore my hearing because it was too risky that I would never dive again. I have been hearing impaired more of my life than not and have adapted. Diving is more important to me than having all of my hearing (50% is working well enough).

 

[cudachaser]

http://www.earinc.com/p2-water-proear.php

Check this site out. Had a student with permanent ear tubes. Worked like a charm for him.

Joe:14:

 

[cudachaser]

http://www.earinc.com/p2-water-proear.php

 

[tzeyap]

My right eustachian tube has a little kink which causes water to be trapped in it. this has only cause infection a couple of times. When diving in the sea, I do not have any problems but I am more careful when in fresh water or in the pool. I flush the ear with clean water and then dry it with cotton buds. have not had any problem equalizing or had a infection for 20 years.