Snorkeling incident, new diver

[nikoc256]

Hello scubaboard,
I'm a new diver with a bit of a issue which I hope a medically inclined diver can help out with.

I'm currently in Bali, where I'd planned to do some wreck diving off Tulamben (beginner wreck). In my excitement to get out and see it I took my snorkeling gear out and dove to about 15ft without thinking about equalizing. After the snorkel my ears hurt and this morning I'm mildly dizzy (could also be sun/dehydration though), but no pain. I can equalize just fine.

My question is whether I should go ahead and dive or just stick with surface snorkeling with the assumption that I've developed some sort of barotrauma?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tridacna]

DAN is your friend here..,

 

[Bubblesong]

In this medical article, it says that for barotrauma of inner ear, vertigo is most common symptom. I would wait, snorkel, and make sure I wasn't going to lose hearing: Barotrauma and decompression illness of the inner ear: 46 cases during treatment and follow-up. - PubMed - NCBI

 

[northernone]

Consult DAN.

If it was me I'd dive and be aware of my ears, with perhaps someone keeping an eye on you on descent if you develop any issues.

Dive safe,
Cameron

 

[nikoc256]

Thanks for the advice.
I talked to DAN, they said to wait a couple of days and dive when everything feels OK. I'll snorkel in the meantime.

 

[TMHeimer]

Before getting OW I used to snorkel with regular earplugs, not knowing any better. I could go to about 8' down when the pain started. I am surprised you felt no pain without equalizing down to 15'. Anyone know if having no pain in this situation is common?

 

[Bob DBF]

Before getting OW I used to snorkel with regular earplugs, not knowing any better. I could go to about 8' down when the pain started. I am surprised you felt no pain without equalizing down to 15'. Anyone know if having no pain in this situation is common?

It may be that some equalization has taken place and the next equalization did not. I have that happen to me, there are depths that I have to equalize and if I miss one I have to ascend a bit and try again. It is more of a problem when freediving as it all has to be done on one breath.


Bob