Minor ear issue or something worse?

[Keoni]

Over the weekend, I took the OW course at my LDS. During the confined water portion, I used the valsalva maneuver to clear my ears, however, nobody said exactly how much pressure or force I should use to blow out. I held my nose and blew pretty hard in order to equalize which helped to overcome the pressure, but now, afterwards I have noticed that things in my right ear are a bit wonky.

I noticed that after the class, my right ear felt full of water, and this feeling didn't go away. The day after I had a disorienting/dizziness feeling that lasted most of the day. The dizziness has abated, but there are still some lingering affects. I am not feeling any pain, just sounds are echoing and my ear feels slightly stuffed. When I yawn or cough I get a foaming/popping sound that comes from my right ear.

Its now been 3 days since the class and I am concerned that I have done damage to my ear. My question to you with more experience, is this normal? Will it go away? Is my ear really damaged? I have my final check out dives scheduled for next week Friday, and I don't want to miss them, but I also dont want to kill my ears.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Colliam7]

If you are having the persistent issues that you describe, by all means have someone (MD, PA, FNP) evaluate it. Even if you don't have an ENT with whom you can quickly schedule a visit, go to a local 'doc in a box', or urgent care center (no, the issue is not urgent, but find a facility that has 'walk-in' options). A competent exam will not take very long, and you don't necessarily need a 'dive-wise' provider. Someone needs to take a look with an otoscope. I wouldn't go dive again, with your description of the symptoms, without having it checked. You may not have done any damage, yet.

 

[Scuba-Blue-13]

I realize this is a little late, but when you clear your ears, it should be a slow process gradually increasing the pressure to clear them, not a hard burst like you're trying to make a trombone make noise, and it should be done every foot or 2 - even before you feel like you need to, this eliminates waiting too long and potentially damaging something in there.

 

[northernone]

When I get that I clean out the wax in my ears. If I have a difficult clearing and lingering pain it usually is dislodged wax trapping water in my ear.

Easy self check, if vinegar didn't fix it up in half an hour (Google techniques) maybe get it checked out. Maybe hurt something from clearing too hard.

And oh, diving shouldn't hurt. Hopefully your instructor will have good tips to help you equalize.

All the best,
Cameron

 

[CuzzA]

Over the weekend, I took the OW course at my LDS. During the confined water portion, I used the valsalva maneuver to clear my ears, however, nobody said exactly how much pressure or force I should use to blow out. I held my nose and blew pretty hard in order to equalize which helped to overcome the pressure, but now, afterwards I have noticed that things in my right ear are a bit wonky.

I noticed that after the class, my right ear felt full of water, and this feeling didn't go away. The day after I had a disorienting/dizziness feeling that lasted most of the day. The dizziness has abated, but there are still some lingering affects. I am not feeling any pain, just sounds are echoing and my ear feels slightly stuffed. When I yawn or cough I get a foaming/popping sound that comes from my right ear.

Its now been 3 days since the class and I am concerned that I have done damage to my ear. My question to you with more experience, is this normal? Will it go away? Is my ear really damaged? I have my final check out dives scheduled for next week Friday, and I don't want to miss them, but I also dont want to kill my ears.

Thanks for your time.

I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure what you describe is barotrauma to your ear. An infection would take longer to develop. You should see a doctor. Watch out for a subsequent infection. It is not normal. It will likely go away and no, you shouldn't dive until your ear is back to normal. Sorry.

 

[BoltSnap]

Don't delay, go and see a physician, an ENT is best.

 

[TMHeimer]

Agree with all above and of course medical examination by a Dr. (preferably one with diving knowledge, or EMT) is the only way to go. I guess it is possible you just got a lot of water in there, which happens to me, but that doesn't explain dizziness.

 

[James R]

Please don't get medical advice on the Internet. Go to your doctor, or better an ENT...

 

[Bubblesong]

I suggest you delay your next dive. You have the rest of your life to dive, but only if you don't mess up your ears. By the way, I have a problem with my right ear as well, and am scheduling my dr visit too.

 

[oldschoolto]

I hold a vacuum cleaner near "3 to 4 inch's" from the ear end it helps get the water flowing.. 50/50 mix vinger and rubbing alcohol also big help..

Jim..