I know there's a lot on this topic...

[funkycoldmedina]

I am all set to take lessons for basic scuba next month but have a few questions that the fellow at the shop couldn't answer well enough for me.

First off, I have a mild to moderate hearing impairment, a result of being born premature. I also have poor drainage in my ears, not sure why, but I frequently have ear infections and allergies. I sound like a barrel of fun, huh?

I was wondering now... if I should pursue the lessons or if SCUBA diving is too big of a risk for me? I don't want to become even more deaf as a result of a ruptured eardrum or something.

Thanks.

Any feedback greatly appreciated?

 

[kent_1848]

Definately go to a doctor first. Try to find one that is a scuba diver. Also, you can contact DAN and ask their opinion. My guess is they will recommend against diving, as the risk may be too great.

 

[joedelt]

i havnt been at this that long but IMO id give it a shot. if you cant clear then you'll know in a hurry(especially as you'll be in a pool and not that deep), my brother had that problem resulted in him not finishing the basic class, but i know many others who have poor drainage issues and dive regularly with no problem.

also as somone already posted, seeing a Doc wouldnt hurt either

 

[PhinDiver]

The best thing for you to do is seek out an Ears, Nose Throat Specialist that knows about diving and have him check you out. Most dive centers can give you basic information, but will also refer you to a specialist.
Besides, you should havve checked a yes on your medical statement {Ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance} which requires you to see a doctor anyways.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Definitely see an ENT Specialist. Some conditions can be mitigated. A specialist should be consulted before going further.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

I guess I should have checked a "yes" for medical issues. I lipread really well, my speech is almost perfect. I only have like a 40% loss of hearing, and don't like telling people, therefore getting "special" treatment. No one could tell by looking at me, unless you looked deep into my ear canal to see the hearing aid... Lol. It's hard to explain I went thru college without telling a single teacher and maintained a B and above.

But I don't want to put myself at risk more because of the drainage issues. Since I am a nurse, I hate meeting with doctors more than I have to! So I will try and contact someone from DAN.

Thanks.

The best thing for you to do is seek out an Ears, Nose Throat Specialist that knows about diving and have him check you out. Most dive centers can give you basic information, but will also refer you to a specialist.
Besides, you should havve checked a yes on your medical statement {Ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance} which requires you to see a doctor anyways.

 

[Quarrior]

snip... So I will try and contact someone from DAN.

Thanks.

That is a very good idea. DAN can also give you the name of a good Dr in your area. SCUBA is definately not a "try it and see what happens" sport.

Done with care and within your training this is an extremely satisfying and relaxing sport, but, it can be very unforgiving for those that don't follow the rules.

I applaud your coming forward and asking this question.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

Thanks to you ALL for the advice, I just fired off an email to DAN, just will wait for a response or referral whatever comes.

Have a good one.

 

[MoonWrasse]

I am all set to take lessons for basic scuba next month but have a few questions that the fellow at the shop couldn't answer well enough for me.

First off, I have a mild to moderate hearing impairment, a result of being born premature. I also have poor drainage in my ears, not sure why, but I frequently have ear infections and allergies. I sound like a barrel of fun, huh?

I was wondering now... if I should pursue the lessons or if SCUBA diving is too big of a risk for me? I don't want to become even more deaf as a result of a ruptured eardrum or something.

Thanks.

Any feedback greatly appreciated?

First, it's good that you're trying to find out BEFORE diving, instead of AFTER going in the pool.
Do you have trouble equalizing when on a plane you descend from 36,000 feet to sea level? That's going to be comperable to the pressure changes you will experience during your OW class, only you descend in water quicker.

Also don't rush it in the pool sessions - me thinks many people hurt their ears during the pool sessions. Descend slowly, equalize BEFORE and often it becomes painful.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

Actually I do have some trouble "equalizing" on a plane. I'm not sure how to describe this so bear with me... My ears feel like they 'fill up' when the plane is landing/taking off. I can 'open up' my ears however, by yawning, then it seems like they close up again. Last time it took me a couple days to get my ears back to normal. But then other times... I can just chew on some gum and there's no trouble with my ears on a plane, I recover just fine.


P.S. I already received a response from DAN with a referral to a local Internal Medicine/Allergist/Dive Physician to bring my questions to! They are amazing, I thought for sure it would be a day or two before they replied.

First, it's good that you're trying to find out BEFORE diving, instead of AFTER going in the pool.
Do you have trouble equalizing when on a plane you descend from 36,000 feet to sea level? That's going to be comperable to the pressure changes you will experience during your OW class, only you descend in water quicker.

Also don't rush it in the pool sessions - me thinks many people hurt their ears during the pool sessions. Descend slowly, equalize BEFORE and often it becomes painful.