Ear problem, Not certified scuba diver yet, lots of questions

[Fauzool]

I signed up for scuba lessons. When practicing descending in a 9ft pool I found I had problems equalizing my ears, I eventually was able to equalize. Now when we descend again I started to have pain in my ear I could not equalize the pain I also was hearing noises out of my ear and felt like water was dripping down throat. Once on the surface the pain in ear was still there( not horrible pain or any thing, just not normal. At the time instruct told me to leave the pool. As I write this still discomfort pain I my left ear feels like water is still in it too.

What is happening?
What can cause this? Not equalizing properly?
When I was a baby I also had tubes put in my ears. Could this prevent me from diving?
A week ago the doctor had to irrigate my ears due to the build up of wax during irrigation of my left ear when she squirted water in the ear sometimes it made me jump.
Should I see the doctor for this?

 

[bryanmc57]

I would have an ENT doc check it out.

 

[spectre184]

^^^ Like above, YES go to a doctor!!!!!! I have sinus and ear issues as well. The term: "equalize early and often" helps me out. As soon as my head goes under the water I equalize whether I feel anything or not. Good luck!

 

[Fauzool]

^^^ Like above, YES go to a doctor!!!!!! I have sinus and ear issues as well. The term: "equalize early and often" helps me out. As soon as my head goes under the water I equalize whether I feel anything or not. Good luck!

I went to urgent care he said I have water in middle ears and left ear is infected he gave me antibiotics. He also said this most likely was caused by a sinus congestion, i do have problems from breathing from both nostrils sometimes but no running nose coughing or anything. He recommended netti pot, take antibiotic, sudafed and daily allergy meds. Crazy recommendations for all that at once if you ask me.

 

[Fauzool]

Went to urgent care I have fluid in middle ears and left ear infection. Told me to get netti pot and sudafed

 

[KevinNM]

You should see an ENT before going back. If you need one contact DAN at 1-919-684-2948 9-5 Eastern

 

[Fauzool]

You should see an ENT before going back. If you need one contact DAN at 1-919-684-2948 9-5 Eastern

DAN can help me? Should I just get a referral from my doc?

 

[KevinNM]

DAN has a list of doctors who have formal training in dive medicine and hence are better able to evaluate what the issues you have mean for diving. There may not be one convenient to you, but then again, there may well be one.

 

[jboneng]

He recommended netti pot, take antibiotic, sudafed and daily allergy meds. Crazy recommendations for all that at once if you ask me.

Make sure those meds are compatible with diving, before you jump back into the water. Also be careful with the timing with medications like sudafed. I took a similar medication before a dive, the effect ended while I was around at 40m depth, resulting in an reversed sinus squeeze, the pressure escaped after a while on the surface through my nasolacrimal ducts, which was not pleasant.

 

[Mike126]

Definitely talk to DAN for a referral to an ENT. If they don't have one in your area most ENTs will be qualified to assess and prescribe the appropriate mediations but it helps to have a Dr that can relate to diving issues. Also, if you are ever congested or having cold/allergy issues it is probably best not to dive. Mucus in your sinuses or around your Eustachian tubes can cause issues with equalization. I have too much experience with this... :depressed:

For the future you may want to get a NeilMed Sinus rinse to flush your sinuses. Talk to your Dr about that.

Good luck