Mid Ear Barotrauma on My 1st Dive

[IndyDiver]

I recently sustained a middle ear barotrauma on my check-out open water dive of 15 minutes to 30 - 50 feet for my YMCA scuba certification. I am currently on my second (2nd) round of steroids and decongestants because my Eustachian tube is swollen shut, and I have some water trapped behind the ear drum on my left which cannot drain.

Can anyone provide some insight as to how long it will usually take before the Eustachian tube unswells and permits the water in the middle ear to drain. My family doctor, who is not a diver, could only say that it would take some time. Is there some point in time at which tubes are necessary, and what is that time frame?

I have three (3) questions:

1. Please provide any insight into how long the Eustachian tube generally will remain swollen shut? I am going on 9 days now.

2. Any advice for a quick recovery?

3. Can I still lap (surface) swim?

Thank you for your attention to this inquiry and your consideration.

Bob Smith, Age 31
Indianapolis, IN


UPDATE:

My Eustanchian Tube drained on the 12th day. Minor, residual healing still occurring. Doctor says that I can dive again in another 3 weeks.

Swimming, actually, may have helped the Eustanchian Tube "pop" open.

Bob

 

[wrecNcaver]

I am in no way a medical professional but can only give you my experience with ear problems. Best advise I was ever given was to seek an ENT specialist who understands diving. (I called DAN and was referred to a great doctor for my son) He also experienced Mid Ear Barotrauma early in his diving. Unfortunately we did not see a ENT right away. His problem turned out to be serious, (though most problems are not). I wish we had gotten him to an ENT right away as he can no longer dive but his hearing has improved. Barotrauma is not something to take lightly.

 

[moxie]

Hi! My right eustachian tube was swollen after a dive trip last year. The ENT put me on Nasonex and it took about a week and a half to 2 weeks to clear up. It had never happened before. I've been diving since and had no problem. Strongly recommend you see an ENT, preferably one recommended by DAN. DAN is very helpful when you call them for a referral. I did lap swimming nearly every day whilre I was on the Nasonex. No problem. The doc recommended that in the future, on the flight to my next dive trip, I take one Sudafed and spray with Afrin, and begin daily Nasonex. Also chew gum while on the plane during the descent. He gave me a handout with all this info on it. This is supposed to keep your eustachian tubes clear. I followed his advice and had no problems. Again, see an ENT. This anecdotal information is not medical advice. Your mileage may vary, etc. Moxie