ScubaRev
Guest
I didn't intend for my first post to be medically related, but that's how it goes.
Short history: I'm newly certified OW diver. Did a couple of dives a week ago (9/1) to 40 feet. No problems whatsoever. Approximately 4 days later (9/6) I noticed significantly increased tinnitus in my right ear (I've had tinnitus before diving) along with a noticeable loss of hearing in the high frequency range. There is no pain nor any intense vertigo or dizzyness, though I experience occasional lightheadedness or "wooziness" (not sure if I'm imagining this or not). The ear also occasionally feels "full" or "damp" though the tube is clear. The condition has not changed for better or worse in the last 48 hours.
I've since done some searching through this terrific forum and some other ear sites and have gotten acquainted with the various barotraumas of the outer, middle, and inner ear and have learned new terms like "perilymphatic fistula." Hopefully, I won't have any need for this newfound vocabulary, but better smart than sorry.
Here's my dilemma: I am scheduled to fly to Chicago on Monday and return the following Monday. While this trip is very important, it is cancellable. I'm seeking advice. Should I (a) make the trip and see the doctor when I get home; or (b) cancel the trip and see the doctor as soon as possible next week.
While this is my decision to make, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Short history: I'm newly certified OW diver. Did a couple of dives a week ago (9/1) to 40 feet. No problems whatsoever. Approximately 4 days later (9/6) I noticed significantly increased tinnitus in my right ear (I've had tinnitus before diving) along with a noticeable loss of hearing in the high frequency range. There is no pain nor any intense vertigo or dizzyness, though I experience occasional lightheadedness or "wooziness" (not sure if I'm imagining this or not). The ear also occasionally feels "full" or "damp" though the tube is clear. The condition has not changed for better or worse in the last 48 hours.
I've since done some searching through this terrific forum and some other ear sites and have gotten acquainted with the various barotraumas of the outer, middle, and inner ear and have learned new terms like "perilymphatic fistula." Hopefully, I won't have any need for this newfound vocabulary, but better smart than sorry.
Here's my dilemma: I am scheduled to fly to Chicago on Monday and return the following Monday. While this trip is very important, it is cancellable. I'm seeking advice. Should I (a) make the trip and see the doctor when I get home; or (b) cancel the trip and see the doctor as soon as possible next week.
While this is my decision to make, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
