Is diving possible with this condition?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Might seem like a stupid question, but asking can't hurt. Since a bad ear infection almost 2 years ago, my right eustachion does not open correctly... Or rather never. Popping, etc. I fly quite often and although it's annoying I survive it.

I assumed diving is a bad idea, but figured I would ask, because I am in paradise right now and would have a great opportunity to try something I always wanted to.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    I’ve never dived before. But from what I’ve read about diving I personally wouldn’t do it . But that’s just me !
  • Posted

    Hello,  Well, if flying isn't too much of a problem all you can do is try....personally my ETD is so bad I

    haven't been abroad on holiday in 5 years this year.  The only potential worry you have with diving

    you may perforate your eardrum, which I suffered in April, in fact in 2017 it happened to my left eardrum

    six times.  Each time having to see my ENT consultant for him to microsuction all the nasty mucus out.

    Good luck and take care.

    Anne

  • Posted

    Barotrauma is a serious outcome for anyone who has an eustachian tube and sinus disorder. Many people associate this only with flying, but there are other contributors like diving, elevation, weather, anesthesia, hyperbaric chambers to name a few. Some people had this problem in just 5 ft of water! There's an informative site that may assist you in the right direction on Divers Alert Network (dot) org and type in subject line: "Common ear injuries while diving".  The unusual thing, is that many ENTs do not discuss it, seem to either not have the knowledge or know how to test this. The safest bet is to find one in "Paradise" experienced working with scuba divers and pilots. Your comment of ..."or rather never" is a red-flag, that I'd rather stick to snorkeling & a pint.

    Diving with chronic ETD could result to an implosive reaction due to not being able to depressurize your ears underwater (like on a plane), which in turn may rupture your tympanic membrane or even worse, the membraneous oval and/or round windows. These are situated in the wall separating your middle ear and inner ear space and could result to creating a perilymph fistula(s). Hope this helps.  -V.

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