Ear problem

[ralphgray2]

I am an experienced (mature) diver with a recent ear problem. My right ear drum has all but disappeared, from an infection. The doc says he will patch it if I can keep it dry for 3 months. I tried a 1st Proear dive mask with ear cups, but it sometimes lets in water and it doesn't work well with a hood or with a snorkel attached. Also the tubes tend to pull off easily. I was thinking about using an ear plug, with a hood. Vented plugs are suggested for diving, but they let in water. The ear is naturally equalized with no ear drum, so I think I could use a non-vented ear plug. Does anyone have any experience to help?

Ralph

 

[DPP Santa Cruz]

Hi Ralph;

You might find these following topics helpful:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...-earplugs-does-any-know-anything-these-4.html

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/introductions-greets/235950-has-anyone-used-docs-pro-plugs.html

Also, try doing a search for the words "ear problem", "ruptured", "ear drum", "pro ear".

Hope that helps.

 

[mselenaous]

Welcome to SB,
Sorry to hear about the ear. Sounds like you're just going to have to stay dry long enough for the eardrum issue to get taken care of and healed.
If you haven't read this article it might have some useful info. DAN Divers Alert Network : Unplugged: Use of Earplugs In Scuba Divers
Also try calling DAN's nonemergency helpline for more information and and post the question in the Dive Medicine Forum. The Medical Mods might have more info.

 

[TSandM]

As hard as it is for me to say this, if I wanted my hearing back in that ear, I just would stay out of the water for three months.

 

[ralphgray2]

Thanks to all those who replied. I found the documented experience informative and encouraging. I plan to try a set of vented red ear plugs for my next trip in February.

Ralph

 

[RiverPearl]

I have to agree that staying out of the water is the best. I had alot of ear problems when I was little and thanks to my parents and a very good specialist I can still hear (they thought I would be deaf in that ear)out of my left ear and I am diving too with NO problems...don't take chances, too many beautiful to listen to out there....

 

[floridanewbe]

welcome aboard