Diving With Medical Tubes And Ear Plugs?

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I have a quick question. In the past year I received ear tubes that open a small channel between my middle ear to my outer ear, and am wondering if I can dive with ear plugs, considering I won't create a blocked channel between my ear drum and the ear plug. Would it be like an external ear drum, or could it hurt me? Please let me know, thanks!
 
Don't know about your tube condition of course since they're blocking the outer ear, but you can't use normal ear plugs regardless. Doc's Pro Plugs are for diving as they have pin holes in them to allow for equalisation. Of course check with the doctor (one who is familial with diving and equalisation) to see what your situation is.
 
There are plugs like Docs Proplugs that have tiny holes to allow equalization. But they do have tiny holes that will weep a bit, and it's not like they fit so well they can not be dislodged. You would get some water in your ear with the possibly of a fair amount of water should they not fit well on a given dive. I suspect washing your inner ear with seawater (anything but sterilized normal saline) is not a good idea.

I'm not at all sure if you could use a non-vented variety to essentially create an 'outer' ear drum. That's one for a diving ENT.

Here's a far more extensive answer that would be worth reading.
Diving with Ear Tubes
 
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There are plugs like Docs Proplugs that have tiny holes to allow equalization. But they do have tiny holes that will weep a bit, and it's not like they fit so well they can not be dislodged. You would get some water in your ear with the possibly of a fair amount of water should they not fit well on a given dive. I suspect washing your inner ear with seawater (anything but sterilized normal saline) is not a good idea.

I'm not at all sure if you could use a non-vented variety to essentially create an 'outer' ear drum. That's one for a diving ENT.

Here's a far more extensive answer that would be worth reading.
Diving with Ear Tubes
Would it be okay to just dive with my ears as is? The tube in place opens a small hole through my eardrum, so water could run from my ear to my Eustachian tube, down to my throat. Would this be a problem?
 
Would it be okay to just dive with my ears as is? The tube in place opens a small hole through my eardrum, so water could run from my ear to my Eustachian tube, down to my throat. Would this be a problem?
You really need to talk to a qualified ENT, not strangers on the Internet. I think DAN might be able to help you find one.
 
Would it be okay to just dive with my ears as is? The tube in place opens a small hole through my eardrum, so water could run from my ear to my Eustachian tube, down to my throat. Would this be a problem?
If you read the linked article you will see that diving with no ear protection is not a good idea. The water that will enter your ear will not only carry pathogens and potentially cause a serious infection, the temperature difference when it hits the middle ear will cause serious vertigo/dizziness. There are only two options that I know of and they have already been mentioned, Docs Pro Plugs or the Proear 2000, or both.

Amazon.com : IST Pro-Ear 2000 Scuba Dive Mask - ProEar Swim Mask : Sports & Outdoors

Using a standard ear plug is not an option. Without a vent you will not be able to equalize.

pro ear 2000 mask / tube in ear
 
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I hadn't ever heard before that unprotected ears was bad, but I would've believed it anyway. Though this is not at all advice to the OP (as mentioned, see an ENT that knows diving), I should mention that I don't wear my Pro Plugs when diving with my hood (which is most of the time). I do find that the hood is just as good as the plugs at keeping water from going DEEP into the ear. Hood and plugs at the same time don't mix well (too messy for me). But I do use ear drops after every dive, as plugs or hood, some water usually gets in my left ear (mostly). I have had no ill effects ever doing it this way. But again, this is not advice to the OP or anyone.
 
Would it be okay to just dive with my ears as is? The tube in place opens a small hole through my eardrum, so water could run from my ear to my Eustachian tube, down to my throat. Would this be a problem?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!
It's questionable if it's possible at ALL, let alone unprotected.


That's like saying, "I have a bad cut, can I wash it out in the toilet?" The number and diversity of organisms in seawater makes it almost soup.
 
I use the pro ear mask due to a fairly significant size hole in my ear drum from water skiing. It does a decent job at keeping water out. It is a little finicky to get used to. I suggest using some sort of water proof lube in your hair to help the ear cups seal off. Works great for me now that Ive figured out how it works best for me. I would suggest using it in a pool base setting to insure it keeps your ears dry before getting in a lake or ocean.
 
I would echo the advice to see an ENT who has specialist diving knowledge - DAN might be able to help.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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