Perforated Eardrum

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kenifboy

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Hi, has anyone out there perforated an eardrum and continued to dive once it had repaired?

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Moved from A&I forum. Marg, SB Senior Moderator
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have and know of several other divers who have had ruptured ear drums who continued to dive after they healed. The time to heal is variable. Mine took almost 6 weeks to heal and get rid of the inner ear infection. One of the divers was diving again in about 2 weeks.

A lot depends on how big the tear is, how fast you heal, and if and where (inner/outer ear or both) and how bad an infection you get.
 
I perforated mine with a cotton bud(Q tip), stupid I know.
Went to my doctor who gave me 1 weeks antibiotics and advised me to keep my ear dry and clean, he also told me to return in 4-6 weeks(I'm leaving it 6)
I also went to see an audiologist friend who made me some swim plugs to keep it dry when showering, he showed me the damage and I would say it was 40-50% missing, although the edges seemed OK.
The accident happened 3 weeks ago today.
Halfway there, fingers crossed.

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I'm not rushing to get back, I'd sooner wait and let it heal completely.
I just wanted some reassurance that my diving days are not over.

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I did mine and paid the price... 6weeks no diving but it healed and I have another 600 plus dives since then much wiser for it. I had it checked by a ENT Specialist and he said it was fine.

You will get the best advice tho in Diving Medicine
 
Quick update.
Eardrum is healing well, another 2/3 weeks should see it heal completely. Then wait a couple of weeks for it to strengthen and maybe try a pool dive.

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