stephen1254
Registered
I've been doing some reading on this sub-forum and realize I'm not the only person dealing with this. I have no problem equalizing my ears while diving, but my ears remain "clogged" after I return to the surface. It's been about 10 days now, and I think an infection has set in. I'm trying to put together a treatment plan to deal with this now and in the future.
I first had an issue about 15 years ago, when my ears didn't clear after swimming. I eventually took to wearing ear plugs when I swam, which eliminated the problem for swimming (but won't help me for diving). I had a recurrence of the problem about 18 months ago after a long flight.
The problem is likely exasperated by two things, a deviated septum and a condition known as "swimmer's ear " - a bony growth in the ear canal caused by repeated exposure of the ears to cold water, a legacy of growing up surfing in California. The deviated septum can be surgically repaired, but I was advised to not try to surgically repair the bony growth, as they cover a potion of the ear drum and the surgery is very delicate.
Things are a little complicated by my health insurance situation. I'm self-employed with a high deductible policy so I basically pay for all doctor visits and medical expenses out of pocket. I spent a small fortune at the ENT guy last year - before I started diving - and got nowhere beyond "I can't really find a problem." That included treatment with steroids. I'd like to this time try something over the counter and then work myself up to going back to the doctor, if necessary.
I am able to "pop" my ears pretty easily, but they clog up again almost immediately. I've seen people recommend Sudafed - the serious stuff behind the counter - and Flonase. People have also talked about a "Sinus Rinse" bottle. I've also seen a reference to a "Pro Ear Mask," which looks like an interesting concept for diving in the future.
Anyone want to chime in on other ideas?
I first had an issue about 15 years ago, when my ears didn't clear after swimming. I eventually took to wearing ear plugs when I swam, which eliminated the problem for swimming (but won't help me for diving). I had a recurrence of the problem about 18 months ago after a long flight.
The problem is likely exasperated by two things, a deviated septum and a condition known as "swimmer's ear " - a bony growth in the ear canal caused by repeated exposure of the ears to cold water, a legacy of growing up surfing in California. The deviated septum can be surgically repaired, but I was advised to not try to surgically repair the bony growth, as they cover a potion of the ear drum and the surgery is very delicate.
Things are a little complicated by my health insurance situation. I'm self-employed with a high deductible policy so I basically pay for all doctor visits and medical expenses out of pocket. I spent a small fortune at the ENT guy last year - before I started diving - and got nowhere beyond "I can't really find a problem." That included treatment with steroids. I'd like to this time try something over the counter and then work myself up to going back to the doctor, if necessary.
I am able to "pop" my ears pretty easily, but they clog up again almost immediately. I've seen people recommend Sudafed - the serious stuff behind the counter - and Flonase. People have also talked about a "Sinus Rinse" bottle. I've also seen a reference to a "Pro Ear Mask," which looks like an interesting concept for diving in the future.
Anyone want to chime in on other ideas?