Post cancer surgery ear problem

[randog]

Hello all,
I have read all of the posts regarding ear equalization problems, and I DO have an appointment with an ENT specialist scheduled for next week. I recently (Dec. 2003) had a tumor removed from my right tonsil and soft palate, which left me with a blocked Eustachian tube, filled with fluid (not infected according to my GP). My main concern is the ability (or lack of) to equalize, and also fly to remote dive destinations. I do not want to have a tube installed to drain the fluid, due to the risk of developing an ear infection by allowing seawater to reach the inner ear. I DO own a set of Doc's pro-plugs which I intend to test soon in a swimming pool, and I also read about the ProEar mask if the earplugs do not work. To any ENT diving doctors, would I be better off doing nothing and leaving the fluid in my right ear, since as far as the physics were concerned, it would be similar to having a water filled inner ear? I'm just trying to exhaust all resources in my quest to continue diving. Maui is calling...
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Randog

 

[DocVikingo]

Doc's Pro-Plugs & the ProEar mask are primarily designed to keep water out of the external auditory canal, not to improve equalization. While some folks do report this as a benefit, one should not count on it.

As you seem to understand, it is not safe to dive with a myringotomy tube in place.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo