New Diver with Ear Troubles - Advice?

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OliviaRose

Registered
Messages
37
Reaction score
6
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
# of dives
25 - 49
Hello!
icosm14.gif


I am beginning my SSI Open Water Diver certification classes tomorrow. I am starting with the classroom, as I can't get an appointment for my physical until next week (after which I will be doing pool classes concurrently with the classroom). I guess I am just wondering what to expect from the course in general so any advice will be much appreciated.

A bit about myself - I have a BS in environmental science and biology, and am currently completing my MPH in global health and infectious disease. I have a deep love and respect for the ocean and all its life. I inherited my sense of adventure from my father and seek to explore as much of the world as I possibly can. I have always felt drawn to the ocean; I spend most of my free time swimming in the sea in the summer and travel to the Caribbean as much as possible.

I will be going to Hawaii this July, though I plan on diving in the Northeast when the seasons allow and will be completing my open water dives locally. I have been on a total of three dives, all off of Vieques, Puerto Rico. I consider myself a strong swimmer and am an experienced snorkeler, with moderate free diving experience.

It would be great to hear from anyone who is familiar with diving and ear problems. I haven't gone to my doctor's exam yet, though I've been cleared to dive by my ENT before. I am hoping she doesn't give me a hard time (or reject me!) because of my ears. I had tubes inserted when I was 8 (20 years ago) due to chronic childhood ear infections. I've ruptured my left eardrum three times over the years - twice while reef diving and once at 50ft depth diving. While unpleasant, I was able to make a calm and controlled ascent with no further issues. I had no problems during the first two dives at 30-35ft, other than more than average difficulty equalizing the left ear.

This was in 2010 and I have since practiced my free diving and equalization extensively, and while improved it's still difficult. I am confident that I can overcome the issue and have discussed it with my instructors. Has anyone else had similar experiences? I refuse to allow it to hold me back from diving - I just feel like it is a calling in some ways I suppose.

Thanks so much in advance for your advice!
Olivia
 
Hi OliviaRose,

While there are professionals on this forum who are familiar with diving & ear problems, including a diving ENT ("doctormike"), your history of ear issues is complex enough that I would suggest that only direct examination by a qualified specialist can appropriately address your concerns.

Regards,

DocVikingo
 
If you can freedive to 30 or 40 feet which involves rapid depth changes, you should be able to manage scuba diving, which typically involves slower descents, and most definitely slower ascents.
 

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