ear problems

[barracuda]

I am requesting urgent advice regarding an ear problem which has occured with one of our novice divers in India where dive related medical problems are relatively unknown. On 12/11/02 the diver completed a 2 dive profile as follows: 8metres / 28mins and 5meters / 41 mins during which time he was held by hand and tank contact throughout the dives due to lack of finning. Ascents and descents were without problem and controlled by hands on contact with an instructor and descent line. No complaint of ear discomfort was made and his guest comments indicated a fantastic dive and wish to return.
I have received a mail from him that there has been a feeling of pressure in his ear and he consulted a physician who diagnosed overpressurisation and surgery to remove an air bubble trapped in his ear. I have requested him to go to an ENT specialist and NOT have surgery until properly diagnosed. Please advise as I am familiar with fluids in the ear but not air bubbles ( unlikely DCS) and did not think surgery was required in this case, only rest and
correct medication.

Look forward to your response on how to proceed.
Many thanks,

Karen Gregory IDCS86377
Barracuda Diving India R6023

 

[C_C]

Are you a physician?

Although the recommendation to see an ENT specialist is valid, I don't believe telling a person to go against a physicians recommendation is a prudent thing to do.

Good luck.

C_C

 

[rmediver2002]

Even if the doctor perforates the tempatic membrane to relieve any remaining pressure, it should be healed and divable within two to three weeks after a medical evaluation...

Jeff Lane

 

[BillP]

Howdy barracuda:

An Internet discussion forum is no place to seek individual medical advice, and certainly no place to try to get urgent medical advice. Take a look at the link at the top of this Diving Medicine forum (http://www.scubaboard.com/t12733/s.html) that goes into more detail about the purpose of this medium.

Having said that, the space immediately behind the eardrum is normally filled with air. This is the air space that you equalize when you clear your ears when diving. If fluid enters the space due to an infection, barotrauma injury, etc. and some of the air remains, there will be a "bubble". The problem will indeed usually resolve with rest and correct medication, but it can sometimes require surgery to drain the fluid.

HTH,

Bill

The above information is intended for discussion purposes only and is not meant as specific medical advice for any individual.