AEEngineer
New
I recently went for my first SDI open-water pool dives (sorry for the oxymoron), after which I experienced a sudden and profound loss of high frequency hearing in my left ear.
This occurred about two weeks ago, and I have been seen by a solid otolaryngologist/surgeon, but I would appreciate any pointers, advice, intuition, contacts, or other information you could provide me given that this seems diving triggered/related. I am located in Los Angeles:
Facts Regarding Dive:
- First time SCUBA diving.
- Gas was air.
- Maximum depth 13 feet (limited by pool).
- Duration of individual dives <15 minutes. Total duration <~2 hours.
- No trouble equalizing, some minor pressure in ear noted but cleared easily without forcing, no meaningful pain at any point during or post dive. One somewhat rapid ascent/bob to the surface from about 8 feet in maybe 3-5 seconds. No pain during that either.
- Worsening of _pre-existing_ tinnitus noted during dive, but not concerning given quieter conditions underwater.
- Tinnitus significantly worse after exiting pool at end of day, some dizziness and vertigo, but had admittedly been in some unusual orientations/attitudes underwater and hadn’t eaten much.
- Dizziness resolved ~2 hours post dive.
Persistent Symptoms/Test Results:
- Left ear affected (only).
- Elevated tinnitus persists, I have pre-existing tinnitus in both ears.
- Clinical audiometry confirms >=90 dB hearing loss at >=8 kHz, but relatively normal hearing below that frequency.
- Tympanometry was normal.
- My ENT performed a Weber test. I believe this indicated conductive loss, but I am not sure, please do not quote me.
- Distortion of sounds when in high ambient noise environments; what I would consider analogous to clipping distortion.
Treatment Thus Far:
- ENT suspects IEBT, possibly a fistula.
- Possibly ossicle displacement.
- Went through a course of 60mg daily oral prednisone, and after about a week started on intratympanic injections.
- Did not start on hyperbaric oxygen, which I understand might be contraindicated if I have an IEBT/fistula.
Other Facts:
- I have Bruxism.
- In addition to regular tinnitus, I have infrequently had symptoms that match what is apparently called Sudden Brief Unilateral Tapering Tinnitus in the affected ear (long-prior to and also since the dive).
- Sometimes when I tense my jaw I hear a “rushing water” sound.
Thanks in Advance.
This occurred about two weeks ago, and I have been seen by a solid otolaryngologist/surgeon, but I would appreciate any pointers, advice, intuition, contacts, or other information you could provide me given that this seems diving triggered/related. I am located in Los Angeles:
Facts Regarding Dive:
- First time SCUBA diving.
- Gas was air.
- Maximum depth 13 feet (limited by pool).
- Duration of individual dives <15 minutes. Total duration <~2 hours.
- No trouble equalizing, some minor pressure in ear noted but cleared easily without forcing, no meaningful pain at any point during or post dive. One somewhat rapid ascent/bob to the surface from about 8 feet in maybe 3-5 seconds. No pain during that either.
- Worsening of _pre-existing_ tinnitus noted during dive, but not concerning given quieter conditions underwater.
- Tinnitus significantly worse after exiting pool at end of day, some dizziness and vertigo, but had admittedly been in some unusual orientations/attitudes underwater and hadn’t eaten much.
- Dizziness resolved ~2 hours post dive.
Persistent Symptoms/Test Results:
- Left ear affected (only).
- Elevated tinnitus persists, I have pre-existing tinnitus in both ears.
- Clinical audiometry confirms >=90 dB hearing loss at >=8 kHz, but relatively normal hearing below that frequency.
- Tympanometry was normal.
- My ENT performed a Weber test. I believe this indicated conductive loss, but I am not sure, please do not quote me.
- Distortion of sounds when in high ambient noise environments; what I would consider analogous to clipping distortion.
Treatment Thus Far:
- ENT suspects IEBT, possibly a fistula.
- Possibly ossicle displacement.
- Went through a course of 60mg daily oral prednisone, and after about a week started on intratympanic injections.
- Did not start on hyperbaric oxygen, which I understand might be contraindicated if I have an IEBT/fistula.
Other Facts:
- I have Bruxism.
- In addition to regular tinnitus, I have infrequently had symptoms that match what is apparently called Sudden Brief Unilateral Tapering Tinnitus in the affected ear (long-prior to and also since the dive).
- Sometimes when I tense my jaw I hear a “rushing water” sound.
Thanks in Advance.
