hearing problems

[ling]

Just wanted to check if it's normal to lose my hearing(not totally but i can't hear so well as before) for a few days after my dives.Also i realised that whenever i try to equalise to clear the block in my ears,sometimes i would feel dizzy n lose my balance.Please advice.

 

[Squalus]

It's not uncommon to have somewhat of a muffled sound after diving, I experience it at times. Lasts for only about a day and it depends at what depth I went too and the water temp for me. You might be trying to hard to valsalva, relax.

 

[mania]

I used to have this feeling of dizziness when - long before diving - I was doing valsava too strong (in the plane). Don't push it too hard... it's better to do it less strongly but continuosly
Mania

 

[justleesa]

yeah, what she said

 

[drbill]

Write louder (in CAPS), I can't hear you.

After five decades of off-again-on-again diving, my hearing leaves something to be desired (both short-term after a dive and long-term). Good thing I didn't attend too many rock concerts in the 60's and 70's.

Dr. Bill

 

[Lexy]

I think the folks are right - take your time going down, even if it takes 5-10 minutes. It's important to feel comfortable, equalized and relaxed.

After doing 3 or more dives in a day, I notice that my eardrums feel a little "mushy" or kinda over-worked, while on land. I've also noticed that upon ascent, my eardrums just pop, equalize automatically and it feels kinda cool. Descending, I equalize and sometimes hear a little "squeeking".

 

[dlndavid]

I had this problem on my first dive (uncertified, off a boat in PV Mexico).
I wasn't equalizing very well descending and upon ascending, I could hardly hear out of one ear.
When I got home a few days later it persisted, so I went to the doctor. Little Doogie Howser put the light in my ear, took a look, then handed the light to his even younger intern to take a look, then told me I had a little water on the eardrum and it would clear up in a few days. I wasn't even charged for the visit.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Sounds like you're trying too hard to equalize. When this happens you not only let air out of your ears to relieve the pressure, you also let water into your ear canal. The water stays there and takes time to get absorbed. Not much you can do about it. Used to last about 2-3 weeks for me before I learned what was the right amount of clearing. It was annoying, but it eventually went away. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to have a dr take a look in your ears. Trauma doesn't sound like a concern, but infection could be.

 

[Bob3]

Your problem is fairly common, & the folks have pretty well nailed the cause.
You still might want to read up on the subject at: http://www.scuba-doc.com/entprobs.html

 

[ling]

Thanks for the advice.Am going to do a dive tomorrow with some rescue divers so i m looking forward to trying not to equalise so hard.Will let you guys know..