Water in the ear - what's the "real" problem?

[MASS-Diver]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know what the cause is of that feeling of water in the ear (not pain, just dull hearing and a sensation of water being trapped int he ear).? Is there any treatment? I know usually it just comes out on its own (and feel very warm), but, I was wondering if anyone new the medical reasons behind this occurance.

Thanks!

 

[pipedope]

For me that usually means that I have excessive wax built up in my ear and some of it has been pushed against my eardrum.
YMMV

For a fantastic lesson on all things ear related for diving go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html

Check out the streaming video;

Streaming Video Lecture
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"

Scuba diving and snorkeling can be fun ways to explore the depths - especially if you can clear your ears as the pressure changes. In this video lecture Dr. Edmond Kay discusses techniques for preventing middle ear barotrauma. Learn what to do to equalize pressure in your ears, teach others proper techniques and learn the safest way to prevent "ear squeeze". This talk was recorded live in September, 2000 and is now available for Internet viewing over the University's video portal .


It will answer lots of questions and teach you ways to equalize that you *never* thought of.

 

[DeepSeaDan]

It is my understanding the sensation(s) you are experiencing are simply due to the entrapment of water in the ear canal. If your tympanic membrane ( eardrum ) is intact, no water should be able to enter your middle ear.

I've learned to avoid this annoyance by maintaining my head in a neutral position in the water as much as possible. By doing this you maintain a pocket of air in the canal which prevents water from entering. Tilt your head to one side & the air escapes the canal, allowing water to enter. Due to the design of the canal, water does not exit easily & over time the body warms it up - thus the trapped water's warm temp. when it finally leaks out.

I have had considerable success with this technique, but it is not always possible to remain vigilant of your heads attitude in the water...give it a try!

Regards,
D.S.D.