does anyone have any info on reverse ear blocks? What causes them and how can they be dealt with properly. Especially while on a dive trip and under water. My wife has been experiencing them recently after diving for years with no problems. Any info or suggestion will be appreciated.
Reverse ear block
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I started getting them last summer... and let me tell you, you want to be careful with that. I now have permanent inner ear damage because my tube-thingy has a kink in it.
My doc told me the following:
1. Get ears cleaned out before a dive trip. This means going to the doctor and having them pour gunk in my ear. But afterwards, my ears feel all clean, so that's nice.
2. Get ear drops, the medicated kind that require a prescription. Take them on all dive trips, and use them as a preventative.
3. Take allergy medicine, and drink lots and lots of water. This will keep the mucus at bay. Somewhat.
Finally, ascend slowly and with lots of reserve air. Your wife may have to descend a little, then try to ascend again, until her ears clear. Also, rub behind and just below the ears while she descends and again while she ascends. I learned this from a diver, and it really does help.
I hope this helps! I know that many of the things I wrote have to do with outer ear infections. However, my doc said that many times that's why reverse ear blocks occur, although I don't understand why.
My doc told me the following:
1. Get ears cleaned out before a dive trip. This means going to the doctor and having them pour gunk in my ear. But afterwards, my ears feel all clean, so that's nice.
2. Get ear drops, the medicated kind that require a prescription. Take them on all dive trips, and use them as a preventative.
3. Take allergy medicine, and drink lots and lots of water. This will keep the mucus at bay. Somewhat.
Finally, ascend slowly and with lots of reserve air. Your wife may have to descend a little, then try to ascend again, until her ears clear. Also, rub behind and just below the ears while she descends and again while she ascends. I learned this from a diver, and it really does help.
I hope this helps! I know that many of the things I wrote have to do with outer ear infections. However, my doc said that many times that's why reverse ear blocks occur, although I don't understand why.
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covediver
Contributor
I had a bout of reverse block in the 90s. The first time I was coming off the bottom in about 20 feet of water, heard a series of high pitched squeeks and muffled hearing in one ear (mine were never bilateral) when I got the the surface. No real pain, no eardrum damage.
As my physician, an FAA medical examiner, explained it, the barotrauma it causes is similar to that experienced by pilots who must deal with pressure changes albeit not as drastic as divers. The prescribed treatment at that time was prednisone (a steroid) to reduce swelling which allowed the tube to open and antibiotics. It worked, although I was told not to go back into the water for about four weeks afterwards.
Treatment protocols change over the years. Suggest you give DAN a call.
Bob3
Contributor
Bummer; I can relate too well with the situation.
I got into the habit of dosing early & often with Sudafed as well as an assortment of prescription nasal sprays, but those options should be discussed with an ENT that's familiar with diving.
In severe cases a re-plumbing may be called for (surgery).
I got into the habit of dosing early & often with Sudafed as well as an assortment of prescription nasal sprays, but those options should be discussed with an ENT that's familiar with diving.
In severe cases a re-plumbing may be called for (surgery).
gert7to3
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Yapdiver, are you diving local and cold or somewhere warm? Has the issue been in cold or warm water? Has it occurred on multi dives per day for multiple days?
A reverse block is when your eustachian tube(s) close down and won't release accumulated pressure. It can cause barotrauma to middle ear structures.
I have gotten away from decongestants. I use saline nasal irrigation/moisturizing spray. It flushes out the sinuses, gets them used to water and hydrates against all that dry tank air. I also use Claritan, an OTC allergy relief product, to settle things down in the old sinuses.
You may want to consider trying Doc's Pro Plugs or a Pro Ear Mask. Either product can help ease the strain of equalizing.
A reverse block is when your eustachian tube(s) close down and won't release accumulated pressure. It can cause barotrauma to middle ear structures.
I have gotten away from decongestants. I use saline nasal irrigation/moisturizing spray. It flushes out the sinuses, gets them used to water and hydrates against all that dry tank air. I also use Claritan, an OTC allergy relief product, to settle things down in the old sinuses.
You may want to consider trying Doc's Pro Plugs or a Pro Ear Mask. Either product can help ease the strain of equalizing.
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