Equalibrium, balance, itchy Ears

[Melifluis]

Age old question I know... but it's driving me insane. I get woozy near the 15-20minute mark of the dives and usually end up aborting the dive. It eventually goes away within an hour after the dive. I equalize no problem although one ear first then the left.

Inner ear imbalance? Cold water in the outer ear? Playing too hard with the marine life (those Harbour Seals are too cool). I had ear infections when I was a kid. Don't have my tonsils or adenoids anymore. My eustation tubes always click. I know my problem is not a major illness thang but its driving me crazy. Will Doc's Proplugs help at all? Pouring warm water in my hood and ears before the dive? Sinuses also congested I think.. but my nose is usually fine. There doesn't seem to be any dive ENT's or Dive Docs in BC that I can find.

 

[ArcticDiver]

That kind of experience can be a bit disconcerting. But, you are right on track with getting a good focused workup.

If there aren't any diving docs in your area consider a Flight Surgeon. That is a doc who is certified to clear commercial pilots to fly. They are highly trained and sensitive to the effects of pressure changes on the body. My experience is that their training is directly applicable to the diving environment.

I don't know where you are but every bigger city has more than one flight doc and even smaller cities often have one. For names check your local aviation authority office.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[DandyDon]

While you're wating on the doctor, click the Serach button on this forum and run for "Vertigo." You'll find about an entry a week on this, with comments like this one from very experienced divers:

to your stomach?
Feel like your are spinning?
Disoriented?

Cold water in your ears, especially if not the same on both sides will cause the spinning feeling and disorientation. It usually clears as the water in your ears reaches body temperature.

A combination of cold water and low visability will get to most people until they get used to it.

I used to always let water into my hood and fill my ears at the surface and let the water warm for a moment before descending to prevent it from happening underwater.