Blocked Ears?

[GottaDive]

Hi all! I'm brand new to this board and new to diving. I just passed certification yesterday! WHOO HOO!

My first open water was last Thursday. I had been having some allergy problems, but I wasn't having any problems breathing and I felt that my sinuses were clear so I "dove" in!. I did have some trouble equalizing my ears, but eventually they did clear and I had an enjoyable dive. However, upon surfacing, I had a slight bloody nose. Nothing major, a simple wipe solved it. The worst thing was that my ears were blocked. I wrote that off to one of the woes that divers must endure, but they wouldn't clear. My friends told me that they had also had some ear problems and suggested some swimmers ear drops. After a couple of days they were OK again.

My next dive was this past Thursday. It went fine. No problems equalizing! HURRAY! But once again, my ears were blocked upon surfacing. It didn't seem like they were blocked right away, but by the time I got my gear off and jumped in the truck, they were blocked. They cleared much quicker this time and I was back in the water yesterday morning to finish my open water skills.

Yesterday's dive was much longer, but again, no problems down or back up. Once again,.. ears blocked. I did notice a small ammount of blood in my mask. Not much, same as last time. This time though I felt that my sinuses were full. When I blew my nose, the mucous was very yellow almost orange (very gross sorry!)
I took some Sudafed and today, though not as bad, they are still blocked.

I'm wondering if I could have a small sinus/ inner ear infection or if I just have earwax build up that is preventing water from escaping. I have read several posts on this site with somewhat similiar symtoms, but they usually involve pain of some sort. I have none. I do still feel some pressure in my sinuses, but not really pain.

I do plan on seeing my doctor before my next dive, but in the interim if anyone has any insight or advise, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Steve (GottaDive)

[jcorreia]

Hi!
Congratulations for your certification!
It's quite usual the kind of problems that you had. But you should go to a doctor.
It's very important that you confirm that you don't have a serious problem.
Be carefull and you can dive all your live :-)

Take care

[wanadive]

Hi Scott- just finished my open water cert. last week - i my self - WHOOO HOOOO!!! Yes I still have the ear block going on - - - - 8 days later ---HELP!!!!!!!!

My instructors sware by the 1/2--1/2 vinegar and alcohol solution immediatley after diving- which I used all 3 days. I also had the minor nose bleed going on.
Have you found anything to work ---before I call the DR. ???

[TSandM]

If you have a persistent feeling of fullness or decreased hearing after diving, most likely you have a degree of barotrauma. It doesn't take a huge delay in equalizing to cause some fluid exudation into the middle ear. Such sensations persisting 8 days would certainly be cause for a good medical examination.

The OP sounds as though he has some congestion and inflammation of the sinuses. Treatment for this could range from nasal steroids to antibiotics, and I can't recommend one or the other over the internet. Sorry, but both of you sound as though you'd be best served by a visit to your doctor.