Newly Certified, Early Frustration

[MadLutherFlint]

Hello there. Certified in Sept [Lake Mary, FL] and absolutely love the sport. Tried a spring dive and 10 min into dive could not clear right ear ((12 ft)), took my time and finally cleared it. Started to experience vertigo, freaked out, clogged ear then ear infection. Went to Gen Practicioner who sent me to ENT. ENT says ears are totally clear but still do not feel like I am 100%. I still feel a little 'off'. Driving at night was a challenge but getting better. No confidence and thinkiing I will never be able to dive again. Wondering about a second opinion. Need an ENT that will spend more that 5 min/me and basicallly blowing me off like I am a hypocondriac (sp?). Any suggestions/recommendations?

 

[bamamedic]

First off, welcome to Scubaboard!

Secondly, I'm sorry you're having so much trouble with your ears. Sounds like you need to see an ENT that's familiar with diving medicine. You could try contacting Divers Alert Network for a referral...

 

[covediver]

I agree ith bama, I doctor familiar with hyperbaric medicine and diving should be able to help you. I too have had ear problems, reverse block, but it never progressed to an infection with vertigo thankfully. As a result of my experience, I do all the technique related stuff that has been suggested, chewgum before the dive to keep everything loose, stay hydrated before and after, don't dive if congested, start equalizing on the surface and then every couple of feet all the way down, avoid head first descent if possible and if I can't equalize at some point I call the dive, when I don't a reverse block has been the result. I do hope you can return t diving. With medical clearance and a conservative approach you may find it solves the predicament.

 

[catra8104]

Welcome aboard.. I to agree with above.. An ENT who knows about diving or is a diver is much more likely to understand and be able to answer questions you have.. Good luck...

 

[fisheyeview]

Welcome to the Board. I hope you can resolve your ear problems and continue to dive.

 

[Captain Walt]

Welcome to the board...I agree also with the above. But call DAN I am sure they will have a good answer for you. I hope all goes well. The # for DAN in the US is 1-919-684-4DAN (4326)

 

[floridanewbe]

welcome aboard

 

[CJM]

welcome, and I agree 100% with the others, Call DAN and see if they can refer you to an ENT thats experienced with diving symptoms

 

[MadLutherFlint]

Thanks, all. I recived a referral to an Dive 'familiar' ENT in St. Pete. i will follow up.

 

[spectrum]

Thanks, all. I recived a referral to an Dive 'familiar' ENT in St. Pete. i will follow up.

That is the right next step.

In re-reading your original post it is unclear to me if your problems are all while diving or extend to when you are topside. The clearing of ears is something that can be a challenge for some to adapt to.

If your ears are not in a damaged state clearing your ears several time daily even when not diving can go a long ways towards making it second nature. Part of it is you learning to sneak up on your tubes with just enough pressure but also the tubes becoming more acclimated to responding.

On dive day clear on the way to the site, when you arrive, as your gear up, on the surface and with each breath on the way down. Frequent and gentle are important.

Good luck at the specialist. You may even be coached on some alternative to the Valsalva maneuver. This would be a great time to ask about alternate methods.

Pete