New Diver with Ear problem

[dino g galardi]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site and just became certified by PADI in Hawaii(while on vacation from Miami.)

Quick question to anyone who may be able to help...I experienced( and still do.) a left ear blockage after completing my last certification dive to 45 feet. The problem manifested itself about 3 hours or so after the dive and has not resolved like my right ear usually does about ann hour or so after submersion in water( I also surf and swim frequently)

I just paid(seriously) a visit to an ENT physician who was unable to detect any problem, after endoscoping my nasal cavities,stc. He sent me home with a azelastine nasal spray and ordered a CT scan(what a waste..)

I would have figured that my body would have assimilated any H2O by now..I also tried all the "home" remedies, except candle waxing....

Help anyone!!!!!! This is annoying as hell.....

Thanks to all and I'll never stop going into the Ocean , no matter what!

 

[Bratface]

Call DAN and get a second opinion from an ENT who understands dive medicine and ear issues like yours. Collect your CT report and medical records and go as soon as you can get there to see the new doc.

There are articles on equalizing that may be helpful to you. I had a serious ear squeeze as a rookie diver that almost ended my diving career. I went to an DAN trained specialist who treated me and got me back to diving--I was taken out of the water for 9 full months. I am glad I listened because it took care of my problem.

You can take Sudafed and nose spray, but I advise you strongly not to do anything until you get an opinion from a DAN specialist.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

So the ENT examined you and pronounced, "There is no problem. Take this nasal spray and we'll do a CT scan later." Is that what really happened? Did he/she ever make the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis or middle ear barotrauma? I'm going to assume that the ENT ruled out an external ear infection. FWIW, Divers Alert Network can give you a referral to a dive-savvy ENT, who might be more helpful.

Divers Alert Network has a Guide to Avoiding Ear & Sinus Injuries in Scuba Diving.

Divers Alert Network also has an essay on Common Ear Injuries While Diving. Pay particular attention to the section entitled barotitis media (middle ear barotrauma).

In terms of treatment, if you sustained middle ear barotrauma, an otc decongestant might give you some relief at this point. If it gets any worse, you may have to visit another ENT to escalate treatment. Most likely, it will resolve on its own in a day or two. You shouldn't be feeling any ear pain during or after diving. You need to learn how to equalize properly (find the technique that works best for you) and do it more frequently during descent. Click on the link in my sig to find Dr. Kay's website. There's a wealth of ear education there.

Hope this helps...

 

[TSandM]

It concerns me that you feel the ear is "full" (which to me implies muffled hearing) and the ENT doc saw nothing of concern. If you had sufficient barotrauma to the middle ear to muffle your hearing, I would think there would have been either inflammatory changes that would be visible, or fluid behind the drum, which should be visible, but would also be picked up by testing the mobility of the drug with pressure changes.

Did the doc do any hearing testing?

If you have muffled hearing and no signs of middle ear trauma, it raises the spectre of inner ear damage, which requires prompt and effective treatment.

I'd get a second opinion. Call DAN for a referral to a dive-savvy ENT doc in your area.

 

[dino g galardi]

Thanks all. I will try a DAN ENT or an ENT with dive experience. All hearing tests were normal...

 

[a22shady]

During my first few dive's after OW 5 dives I had a small issue with a water in the ear feeling which lasted about a day or two but went away and has not came back. I am guessing from that being first time under at any depth repeated was the issue. But Do as you did and be safe if you feel that ENT was not correct get a second opinon. If your having any troubles equalizing Try watching this very informative video from Dr. Edmound Kay ENT/Dive Instructor

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