BlueDevil
Contributor
I am hoping that one of the doctors on here may be able to help me with some info on an ear problem.
I have had about 3 months of discomfort in my right ear, probably best described as dullness or slight pressure. I have also had pain with loud noises on a few occasions (I play trumpet in a band). While I am able to equalize my right ear it does take more effort than the left. I am not sure what brought this on, but I am wondering if it may relate to a dive in which I did a very rapid descent because of very rough surface conditions. I do not recall any particular problem with my ears on that dive, but it is feasible that I may have equalized somewhat more forcefully than usual.
I saw an ENT a few days ago. He did not give an explanation for what I have experienced but following hearing tests and pressure tests he has said I am ok to dive. I am somewhat concerned though about the pressure test of my right ear. The tympanometry test report says Compliance very excessive Type A The specialist explained that this was a floppy eardrum, and he did not seem concerned by it.
My questions, if anyone is able to help, are:
1. What sort of abnormality leads to a floppy eardrum
2. Could this have been caused by barotrauma
3. What are the implications for diving (short term and long term).
4. Is there any need for further assessment by a doctor who specializes in diving medicine?
Thanks for any advice you may be able to offer,
BD
I have had about 3 months of discomfort in my right ear, probably best described as dullness or slight pressure. I have also had pain with loud noises on a few occasions (I play trumpet in a band). While I am able to equalize my right ear it does take more effort than the left. I am not sure what brought this on, but I am wondering if it may relate to a dive in which I did a very rapid descent because of very rough surface conditions. I do not recall any particular problem with my ears on that dive, but it is feasible that I may have equalized somewhat more forcefully than usual.
I saw an ENT a few days ago. He did not give an explanation for what I have experienced but following hearing tests and pressure tests he has said I am ok to dive. I am somewhat concerned though about the pressure test of my right ear. The tympanometry test report says Compliance very excessive Type A The specialist explained that this was a floppy eardrum, and he did not seem concerned by it.
My questions, if anyone is able to help, are:
1. What sort of abnormality leads to a floppy eardrum
2. Could this have been caused by barotrauma
3. What are the implications for diving (short term and long term).
4. Is there any need for further assessment by a doctor who specializes in diving medicine?
Thanks for any advice you may be able to offer,
BD
