Inner Ear Defect

[redacted]

I have had moderate to severe hearing loss due to inner ear nerve damage for at least 50 years, so it should be quite possible that your problem will not limit your diving. Good luck with the doc.

 

[fmerkel]

That was very well said DocViKingo
Forums like these would be a bit more useful if we had not become such a litigious society, especially when risk is involved.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hi! I was born with an inner ear birth defect that led to my inner ear not being developed fully. This affects my sense of balance and hearing. However I really want to learn how to dive, but I'm concerned as to how the defect would affect my ability to dive. Would it become an issue?

Thanks

Hi Awesome,

I'd have a couple of concerns. First, if the area formed in such a way as to leave an enclosed gas-filled space, you could experience barotrauma when diving. Feelings of pain or pressure with changes in ambient pressure (flying, driving through mountains) could be telling. Second, a vertigo hit underwater can be disorienting and panic-inducing so if you have significant issues with vertigo, that could be a barrier to diving. I concur with the other poster who recommended seeing an ENT with a background in diving, and would further recommend that you see a diving medical specialist. Where in the US are you?

Best regards,
DDM