How serious is diving with prior hearing loss?

[DocVikingo]

Hi shannonmsmith,

I won't comment on the advice others have given, but will add an additional consideration and possible reason why this particular doctor wouldn't agree to clearance for SCUBA.

No matter how normal the reading of the MRI, how stable the hearing disorder appears to be and how able the diver is to equalize, the fact remains that 80% of hearing has been lost in one ear, seemingly permanently.

Even given great care while diving, SCUBA can result in barotrauma and even DCS of the ear, with possible additional permanent hearing loss or the development of other hearing abnormalities like tinnitus.

As such, the affected diver needs to decide what level of risk of additional damage to hearing he is willing to entertain. Moreover, even if the diver decides he wishes to go ahead with SCUBA certification, given the reported history the physician being asked to sign a medical release would be within reason to decline.

Before a final decision is made, the diver certainly should consult his ENT and understand the reasons for the eventual determination.

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[shannonmsmith]

That was helpful. We decided to snorkel on this trip instead to play it safe. I would still love to dive, but am going to have a long talk with my ENT before doing so. The snokeling was still beautiful.

 

[drbill]

I'm not a medical doctor so take this with a grain of salt... if you didn't already have noticeable hearing loss, you probably would after a few years of diving. I've been doing it for 48 years now and have definitely lost hearing, especially in the low range. Given that you've already lost 80% due to the viral infection, further loss due to diving may be something to consider.