High frequency hearing loss (past 3khz), tinnitus, and vertigo after first dive

[GraceAP]

I wanted to contribute here because I had similar symptoms and work up. While descending at around 45 feet I was having trouble equalizing so I did a forceful valsalva maneuver. Immediately I noticed loud tinnitus but no pain/vertigo/hearing loss underwater. Continued with the dive without incident but as I was ascending I noticed myself becoming nauseous. By the time we were at the surface I had severe vertigo and nausea. I didn’t notice any hearing loss.

I didn’t think this was an emergency as I’m frequently nauseous for a few minutes after a dive. But when the vertigo and tinnitus were still present the next day I went to urgent care. They told me it wasn’t anything serious and sent me home. After a few days and looking up what it could be, I went to the ER for prednisone and got a hearing test which showed moderate-severe hearing loss above 5khz. A few weeks later after some variable hearing test results, my Dr. also performed a blood patch. Two weeks later there was no improvement in my hearing or tinnitus.

Now I’m about 4 months out of my injury and have had no improvement in hearing or tinnitus as far as I’m aware, although I’m getting used to both. The vertigo has resolved completely. I haven’t had any trouble when traveling to high elevation but I have not tried flying or diving yet. Hopefully I can eventually resume both.

 

[apnea diver]

A few weeks later after some variable hearing test results, my Dr. also performed a blood patch. Two weeks later there was no improvement in my hearing or tinnitus.

Now I’m about 4 months out of my injury and have had no improvement in hearing or tinnitus as far as I’m aware, although I’m getting used to both. The vertigo has resolved completely. I haven’t had any trouble when traveling to high elevation but I have not tried flying or diving yet. Hopefully I can eventually resume both.

From what I've read online and in this forum, the blood patch, and the PLF patch are effective only within the first couple of weeks after the incident. After that they don't work. So, it is imperative to get treatment from an ENT Asap.