Problem with water in ear.

[Sibulyo]

Hello.

About a year ago, I had a tympanoplasty, and I’m planning to start diving soon. However, I’ve noticed a problem. I’ve been swimming in a lake a few times – the operated ear is doing fine, but my left ear is causing issues.



Water gets into it very easily, which leads to a mild pain and makes it impossible to equalize using the Valsalva maneuver. The discomfort usually lasts for several hours after swimming – and it happens every time. The issue comes up even with regular surface swimming , so for now, diving is out of the question.



I saw an ENT specialist, but according to him, everything looks normal and he couldn’t see anything wrong.



Has anyone experienced something similar? Or does anyone know what could be causing this?



Thanks in advance!

 

[clownfishsydney]

There is a mask with connected ear muffs that mean you do not get water in your ears nor need to equalise. A friend uses one. No idea where to get though.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hello.

About a year ago, I had a tympanoplasty, and I’m planning to start diving soon. However, I’ve noticed a problem. I’ve been swimming in a lake a few times – the operated ear is doing fine, but my left ear is causing issues.



Water gets into it very easily, which leads to a mild pain and makes it impossible to equalize using the Valsalva maneuver. The discomfort usually lasts for several hours after swimming – and it happens every time. The issue comes up even with regular surface swimming , so for now, diving is out of the question.



I saw an ENT specialist, but according to him, everything looks normal and he couldn’t see anything wrong.



Has anyone experienced something similar? Or does anyone know what could be causing this?



Thanks in advance!

Hi @Sibulyo ,

It sounds from your post that you have not yet started diving. When are you feeling the need to equalize your ears such that you know the Valsalva maneuver doesn't work?

Simply getting water into the external ear canal should not cause pain. Are you sure that the source of pain is the water?

Best regards,
DDM

 

[gamon]

Don't know about the cause but an effective way to treat the symptomatic ear is to wear vented plugs. I prefer the hydroseals which are sold by Divers Direct to the Docs Pro Plugs which I have found to be not as comfortable and tend to fall out which is why they're supplied with a leash to prevent loss.