Problem Clearing ear before plane trip

[Panthers65]

Hey everyone, I was having problems with my ears after my first scuba drive and google searches kept bringing up old links to this site, but none of them answered my specific questions, so I'm hoping yall can help me out.

I completed my PADI Certification at the Dressel Dive center in Cozumel yesterday. Did my first two open water dives Wednesday, and last two yesterday. On my first dive on Wednesday, I had a little trouble equalizing my right ear, went back up a few feet, and was able to equalize it, but that was after a little discomfort. That night my ear was uncomfortable, but not extremely painful, so I went on my last two dives yesterday (probably not real smart, but I wanted to complete the class). Well we hit about 60-70 ft. (21 meters) yesterday and last night my ear had the same feeling. I used a cue tip to clean the ear canal and woke up early this morning not being able to hear out of my right ear. I can hear water in the inner ear cavity and I'm pretty sure it's blocked up because of excessive ear wax. I've tried a hot towel, hot shower, and ear drying drops (95% alcohol) but still can't get my ear to clear out. My biggest concern is I'm still in Cozumel and have to fly back to Georgia tomorrow morning. I would prefer to let my ENT doctor back home look at it, but I don't know it this will cause any problems during the flight.

I haven't had anything drain out of the ear, and once every 10 minuets or so for about 30 seconds I'll get an acute pain in my ear, not very bad just annoying. Because of this I don't think the drum is ruptured, just clogged up. Other than this sporadic pain, the only problems are: it sounds like I have an ear plug in my right ear and my jaw is sore on the right side.

Is this a common problem for divers? Will I be safe on my plane trip home tomorrow? I appreciate any help I can get, thanks!

Brent

 

[fresh_fish]

Sounds like fluid built up in the eustacean tube or behind the eardrum. This is usually caused by the normal sinus fluid in there getting "stuck" from the pressure changes. Sometimes if you wait too long to equalize, the tube will get inflamed, and trap the moisture. Try taking ibuprophen or another anti inflammatory. You can also try an antihistamine, but that's more for the symptom. You need to get rid of the inflamation. That's how infections start.

-not a doctor, speaking from experience and my own research.

 

[dmoore19]

Are you a member of DAN? Have you called them? This condition occurred while you were traveling and my be due to a dive incident (I didn't say accident). I would call Dan and see if they have any insight into what the problem may be and how to handle it. I think DAN is where I would start.


Divers Alert Network (DAN) at 1-800-446-2671. For the international DAN telephone numbers, click here.

 

[diverdoug1]

Disclaimer - I can't tell without examining you!

It sounds like barotrauma to the typanic membrane and middle ear. I would suggest NSAIDS such as ibuprrophen and some Sudafed PE (phenylephrine). If you have poorly controlled hypertension skip the sudafed.

 

[Panthers65]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I was not a member of DAN at the time (this was a spur of the moment decision and my first dive ever, didn't even know what DAN was) Turns out there was enough ear gunk on the outside of my ear the Dr. couldn't even look at it without cleaning it out. Put about 4 ounces of peroxide in my ear with a syringe and a rubber tube on the end and the stuff literally started pouring out.

The tube was inflamed to high heaven, so he put me on some Ciprodex and I gotta keep a cotton ball shoved in my ear for the next few days to keep it clean.

I'll defiantly be joining DAN before my next dive.