Just got PADI OW certified, and a perforated eardrum

[devolve]

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=ProEar

works for me...

--cjc--

 

[pt40fathoms]

Skin diving can be more harmful to you ears than scuba diving. The reason it "can" be more harmful is simply that most people who skin dive do not equalize as often, nor as early as scuba divers do.

Let your ear heal completely before you dive again, and see an ENT (Ear Nose Throat) Specialist before you dive again. Under normal circumstances you should not be prevented from diving, but just to make sure your circumstances are normal, it's best to see the Doc.

 

[mrobinson]

AFter your ear heals, you might also try taking one Sudafed at least an hour before diving. I've always had trouble equalizing either on airplanes or diving, and when I was a kid my pediatrician had to prescribe it. But it's always worked for me... (and I like that it has a low risk of sexual side effects!)

avpro - not bad advice but I would just want the original poster to know Sudafed has different effects on everyone. I've been told of by my dive doctor is that ne sideeffect is an increased anxitey level. As well, if you take to soon before the dive it could wear off before the end of you dive creating a possible reverse block.

Please find a dive doc in your area and then keep diving.

 

[ciret]

You can contact DAN, (Diver Alert Network), for a physician referral here:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/contact/email.asp?re=Medicine

 

[Halthron]

Because I tend to have issues with equalizing, I too take a sudafed every day I dive. The 24 hr kills my sinuses but the 12 hour works well enough. That said, never dive if you're congested.

 

[bullheadmike]

I would talk to DAN (Divers Alert Network) if you are a member you can call for free and get some good advise. Also look into a thing called a ProEar Mask (Pro Ear). It has ear cups conected to the mask. It helps to keep things equilized. I was so impressed by mine, I became a dealer. I sell on Ebay under mybuddymike, but lots of folks sell them. One thing. Do not buy fom Safe Dive LTD more likly then not you will never get your order. See DAN at http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/ If you are not a member then JOIN!

 

[Canadian_Diver]

you can dive even with busted eardrums...you won't have an equalization problem. The only thing to worry about is getting infections in the ear. There are special ear plugs made with one way valves to let you equalize without water getting in your ear. Any good ear, nose, throat specialist should be able to help you out.
Also when your ear heals take special care not to "over equalize" don't blow so hard. It doesn't take a lot to equalize.

disclamer: i am not a doctor...I had a friend that had blew out his ear drums and this was the solution. Always consult with a good specialist.

Careful with these earplugs. The jury is still out on exactly how safe they are, and failure rate on the valves.

 

[hudson_hawk]

Hello all
im new to diving and in fact i go july 5th and 6th for my OW certifcation
i have the same trouble with my ears / im allways conjested /my ent dr
gave me nasonex nasil spray i take it once a day and it wont wear off when your
diving / i had a bad issue with reverse block but sence taking the nasonex i dont
i call DAN and they said its 100% ok to use
well good luck have fun !!

 

[hudson_hawk]

ohh btw i called scuba toys the other day i was going to get a
new air/nitrox computer
i told the guy i was a scuba board member and he said it didnt
matter by getting a better price
thats ok the guy was super nice and they have great prices any way
have fun all

 

[Chotzi]

My wife popped an eardrum during her OW cert. She went to an ENT, took some antibiotics just to be on the safe side and it healed up fine. The next time she went diving however. she had a great deal of difficulty equalizing between 15 and 25 ft. She got some Doc's divers earplugs and she has taken to diving like... well, like a fish to water!
Cheers,
Curt