Medical Query...Dysfunctional Ear

[Ga1050]

Hi all, I hope this is the right place for this query so here goes...

I currently have little experience with scuba (I've done a DSD course plus an extra 12m dive only) but was really hoping to do a divemaster internship next year during a career break, possible an instructor course as well.

However, I have previously been diagnosed with an inner ear problem whereby my right ear is dysfunctional. This means I CAN suffer from balance problems as a result (nothing pressure/sound related though, just balance). The dizzy spells are few and far between these days as my left ear compensates and I also do balance physiotherapy, so have taught myself to rely less on my ears for balance and more so on other senses.

Obviously to complete all I'm hoping I'd need to be medically fit, so does anyone know if my condition will prevent me from doing so?

I will see my specialist before hand but as I don't plan on doing the courses until well into next year it seems a bit early to get signed off BUT I don't want to make any plans and build my hopes up if its going to be a straight 'no, I can't do it'.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers,
Gary.

---------- Post added January 19th, 2013 at 08:50 PM ----------

I've just had a little read about the forum and it seems these internships don't always come highly regarded. I would just like to point out though that I don't necessarily want to go from zero to hero as such, but more so to get the unlimited diving during the 2 months becoming a DM, the fact I can do it cheaper and in a sunnier place and be diving in more exotic water. If I was to return to do any instructor training it'd be after months of further travelling and diving.

I didn't want people thinking I was some upstart with no clue (which I am at the moment) and wanting it all right away, it just makes good money sense for me to do a DM internship in one hit at the start of my travels...if nothing else it'll give me better water time and confidence to dive other places

 

[rivers]

I would say speak to an ENT who specialises in diving. Then, do some diving in the UK. I was certified in warm, clear water. Saw some amazing reefs, but I love UK diving. I much prefer it

 

[TSandM]

When you say your ear is "dyfunctional", does that include not being able to hear out of it? A lot of doctors will advise you not to dive in that case, simply because of the risk of barotrauma affecting the hearing in your one remaining ear. To me, that is a personal risk assessment, and much of that risk is controllable if you are conservative about when you dive (not trying when you are congested) and how you dive (learning to control descents and ascents carefully).

The question of periodic vertigo is a different one. Vertigo can occur even in perfectly normal people, if they are deprived of a visual reference, or if the two ears equalize at different rates, particularly on ascent. Vertigo underwater is very unpleasant and can be extremely disorienting, and definitely leaves the afflicted diver capable of doing very little more than coping with it. It can be difficult to maintain buoyancy control when suffering from vertigo, and I say that as someone who was horribly afflicted with it as a newer diver. Whether a physician will sign off a student with a problem known to produce vertigo is going to depend on the risk averseness of the physician, and would require a frank discussion with the patient about the risks involved.

It will also depend on the disease process causing the vertigo. Some, like Meniere's disease, are amenable to treatment, and can be controlled. Others are simply episodic and difficult to predict. I would definitely think a good discussion with a dive-savvy ENT doc is in order.

 

[Ga1050]

Thanks for the replies.

I think you are right and I'll need to get in touch with my ENT specialist and if he isn't in the know when it comes to diving I'll have to try and track down someone who is.

As for my actual condition I guess the easiest was to describe it is my in inner ear is somehow paralysed, but it only effects my balance and nothing else. I basically failed what was called a chloric test, which is where the diagnosis of vestibular dysfunction came from. From personal experience of other situations and my basic understanding of scuba I think where I could potentially suffer would be if there was any time I couldn't see the surface, bottom or side to side (and maybe boat rides!!)...purely because I need to rely more on other senses (sight/touch) to help compensate my balance. Having said that my left ear does also compensate, so even this may not cause an issue.

It can result in vertigo-like symptoms but it isn't actually vertigo. Also I was told they were unable to diagnose the cause of this.

Fingers crossed I guess, I'm guessing I'll be ok to complete courses to a certain level but worried it may effect taking it to the next level.

Thanks again.

 

[rivers]

Contact the London Diving Chamber. They may be able to give you the name of a doctor in Wales.

 

[Ga1050]

Contact the London Diving Chamber. They may be able to give you the name of a doctor in Wales.

Thanks a million. I've just sent them a message so hopefully they can suggest a specialist I can contact!!