Water behind eardrums

[transiberian]

I have water behind my eardrums, does anyone know how to drain it out? No I don't have any infection or pain, I just feel that they are blocked just like I have water in my ears, the only problem that its behind my eardrum.

 

[DandyDon]

Depending on your insurance or phone book, find an ENT that can see you as soon as possible.

 

[DevonDiver]

I can't offer a medical diagnosis, but if you have been diving recently then over-equaliszation (too forceful valsava maneuovre) can cause fluid to be pushed into your middle ear. This can lead to a sensation of having 'waterlogged' ears. The fluid should drain out in a short time.

However, there also could be some other damage or swelling. Get the ears checked by an ENT specialist just in case.

 

[TSandM]

The sensation of "clogged" ears is almost always a result of barotrauma. As you descend, the pressure in the tissues increases with the ambient pressure, but the pressure of the air trapped in the middle ear stays the same as it was on the surface, until you can equalize. The result is that fluid from the tissues is drawn into the air space (and it can even progress to bleeding, if the pressure differential gets great enough). After the dive, the diver will complain of feeling as though there is water in his ear, but it won't drain. There may be crackling or popping noises, as well.

The majority of these injuries will resolve, but it can take days to a week. There is no good evidence that any treatment hastens the process, but various things are recommended, from decongestants to antiinflammatory medication to chewing gum (which opens the Eustachian tube).

If you have significantly decreased hearing, significant pain, vertigo, or the symptoms don't begin to resolve in a few days, you need evaluation by a physician. And it would be a good idea to work on earlier and more frequent equalization, next time you try diving.

 

[Lee Taylor]

I have had this also. The body will absorb it over time. Very slow process.

 

[Zippsy]

what TS&M and Lee said but be careful and mindful of any pain at all. It could be a sign of infection. You want to drain that fluid (with decongestants, anti-unflamatories, gum or time) before an infection sets in or you will be out of diving for a longer time than you think.

 

[transiberian]

I did go to a doctor and he said that I have water behind my eardrums. He prescribe me some anti inflammatory steroids that I started taking them then I quit. I will try to chew gum. I need that water to go away, I need to go in water on October 16 to get certified.

 

[DandyDon]

I did go to a doctor and he said that I have water behind my eardrums. He prescribe me some anti inflammatory steroids that I started taking them then I quit. I will try to chew gum. I need that water to go away, I need to go in water on October 16 to get certified.

WTH did you quit your doctor's orders?

 

[fisheater]

WTH did you quit your doctor's orders?

'Cause he figured that anonymous posters on ScubaBoard would know better.

 

[DandyDon]

Well, decongestants, antihistamines, and anti inflammatory steroids are are probably your best bet in treatment based on this cowboy's best guess, based on my experiences, what I've seen on other threads here, and the fact that one of us have seen your ears. Follow doctor's orders and you will probably be ready to dive next weekend.

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