ruptured eardrum?

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Ironhed

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Location
Palm coast Florida
# of dives
100 - 199
I ruptured my right ear a couple weeks ago on a dive. my question is this, how long before I should get back out and dive? I have a spearfishing tournament in 3 weeks and should be diving in the 140' range. I have never had this kind of injury and had to dive as I have only been certified for about 2 yrs. I am on antibiotics and seems like my ear is healing fine so far. I go to see an ear specialist may 9th but my guess he will advise against diving that soon. I have also found out about an IST pro ears mask that has cups that go over your ears to take pressure off them. should I abort the tournament and give my ears more time or should I be fine. anyone else had this and what were your experiences with healing time and diving. my guess the ear doctor doesn't understand my need to dive and spear and will be over protective.
thanks Andy
 
the healing will be still quite weak at that point and a reinjury likely. The eardrum is such a thin membrane that for many people repeated damage while in the process of healing may result in lack of healing (perm. damage) without medical intervention.

Just an observation from seeing friends go thru it.

I'm sure a doctor will read this and give a better answer or correct me.
 
Call DAN for a referral to an ENT who understands SCUBA diving.

Nobody can answer your question except someone who has actually looked at your ears.

Personallly, I wouldn't even consider diving until everything was healed up perfectly and the doc said OK.

You don't want to spend the rest of your life saying "Huh? What did you say?" just for the sake of a contest.

Terry


Ironhed:
I ruptured my right ear a couple weeks ago on a dive. my question is this, how long before I should get back out and dive? I have a spearfishing tournament in 3 weeks and should be diving in the 140' range. I have never had this kind of injury and had to dive as I have only been certified for about 2 yrs. I am on antibiotics and seems like my ear is healing fine so far. I go to see an ear specialist may 9th but my guess he will advise against diving that soon. I have also found out about an IST pro ears mask that has cups that go over your ears to take pressure off them. should I abort the tournament and give my ears more time or should I be fine. anyone else had this and what were your experiences with healing time and diving. my guess the ear doctor doesn't understand my need to dive and spear and will be over protective.
thanks Andy
 
true. at this point I am not holding onto much hope I still plan to attend the event just dont think the shooting will happen. this really stinks
 
Ironhed:
I ruptured my right ear a couple weeks ago on a dive. my question is this, how long before I should get back out and dive?
I have not ruptured my ear, but I did get a reverse block on a dive that left my ear very sore. I also recommend contacting DAN. That is how I discovered that I did not have a rupture. It took three weeks before it felt normal on the surface. I did not attempt a dive during that time.

I look at it this way. There will always be more opportunities to participate in a spearfishing tournament if you dont mess your ears up. I say why take the chance?

Willie
 
The round-window in my left ear blows out at least once a year, despite all my precautions its just so sensative. You want to be careful not to plug your nose, attempt to equalize (in or out of water), fly, or get sick (I know little control over this last one), but the key is avoiding pressure on the canal for about 2-3 weeks then your good to go. Of course if it gets infected, become inflammed or sore seek medical attention. Avoid getting moisture of any kind in the ear, protect when showering etc, during the healing period.
 
I blew the same ear and went straight to the doctors they wouldnt even give me antibiotics only pain killers. Go figure! It took about a month to heal is what I was told and then I could dive again. IT depends also on if your on any meds like steroids as this will prolong the healing process. Seeing an ENT or diving doc who has the cpabilities to look and test your ear is probably your best bet. I would rule out the tournament for sure.
 
I recently changed jobs which meant i have new insurance well of course my regular ENT doctor doesn't accept my insurance and the ones on my plan would not accomodate me for a couple weeks which really is not right when you have a serious ear problem. well I ended up at the urgent care just to get the meds I needed. it has been 2 weeks since it happened the pain is gone from the infection I did develop but i have to say so far my hearing is not good and I do have a constant hissing sound in that side. I do go to see an ENT may 9th which is way too late over 3 weeks from time of incedent welcome to the world of medicine. I am writing off the tournament at this point and am figuring at least 2 months before I enter water again. I am going to buy the pro ears mask and try some 30' dives at the springs to see if the mask helps with the pressure. I will of course get an ok from the doctor before I do so.
 

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