ears constantly popping

[j.warner]

Hello!

I did a diving course about a year ago in Cairns and had a fantastic time with some really good instructors. On my first open-water dive I had a problem equalising, but eventually ears popped and I enjoyed the dive though noticed when I surfaced that I had suffered a minor nose-bleed.

All subsequent dives were problem free and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, though noticed a few days after finishing that my ears were constantly popping - hearing was un-impaired and there was no pain, just annoying, constant popping...

I saw a doctor a couple of months later who after looking at my ears said they looked a little red and swollen, but that it didn't look serious and to come back if they were at all painful. I told myself it would go away but this was a year ago now and its a little (!) frustrating to have both your ears pop more or less everytime you swallow, move your jaw or tilt your head back!

Like I mentioned, there's no pain, no muffled-hearing, just popping!

Anyone know what this is likely to be and what the likely course of action is?

Thanks a lot,

James.

 

[gkwaldee]

It sounds to me like you were clearing too hard, its something that alot of new divers do. I get that from the nose bleed and the red drums. Ive heard people say that, when they had that problem, their ears popped for a few days...........but 1 year? Id day that theres some sort of differential pressure problem there.

Remember, early and often.

tiny bubbles

 

[alias10]

I'm so glad you posted your msg. I have the same problems..although I am not waiting a year. I just started diving this year. When I did my certification dives, my ears (my ear drums were red too) continued to pop for almost month. I also had nose bleeds everytime I came up. BTW, I seem to have a harder time equalizing than others. I'm always the last one down. Afterwards, I went to Cozumel and did two dives...same problems. I quit diving and came home. I saw a specialist (ENT)and he suggested that due to the physical formation of each individuals eustachian tubes, its possible that I may always have these problems (currently, everything looks ok from the outside). Only real way to find out is to do a head CT...which is scheduled for tomorrow. I'll let you know when I get the results. Good luck to you!

 

[DIR Tec Diver]

This is not uncommon with new divers at all. Your body will also adjust and get used to the pressure with continued diving as long as you remember to equalize gently and before too much pressure or pain. If you have difficulties ascend a few feet then go again. Be patient and gentle. you should notice quickly that the signs will get less and less pronounced.

If you still have pain and a lot of problems go seek a diving physician. General physicians sometimes don't understand the issues with diving and can just tell you that you can't dive anymore to protect themselves in the event you hurt yourself.

 

[Blackeye]

j.warner once bubbled...
Hello!

Hi James,
I encounter the same problem/experience as you. But mine ear is OK after 2 weeks. When you say poping, are you saying tinnitus. My Gp advised me not to go beyond my limit. I just back from first open dive 3 weeks. And I would like to go diving next month, I think we have to pick up the skills through more dives.

Safe dive always,
blackeye