Hi Aquamore,
I believe that would be the dreaded "tinnitus." I know about it as I have it bilaterally, and mine is related to diving, mostly from inappropriate equalization during my early years.
Tinnitus is the medical term used to describe the sensation of ringing, roaring, low-pitched hissing, chirping, screeching, or even musical sounds when such sounds are not externally present.
It can be caused by a wide variety of events, such as certain drugs, wax in the ear canal, exposure to loud noises, tears in various membranes within the ear, or damage to the acoustic nerve itself. It can be temporary or permanent. In the latter case, treatment of the condition is not as effective as medicine would like.
Tinnitus & a sensation of fullness or plugging can & do result from damage to the ear secondary to improper clearing/equalization while diving, so be careful in this regard.
As for treatment, to the best of my knowledge nothing consistently very effective has been discovered thus far. Some medications have proven effective for some sufferers, but most of these are drugs not especially compatible with scuba due to sedative effects & the like. Some the most useful approaches are behavioral in nature, such as biofeedback & cognitive therapy.
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such. The cause & possible treatment of persistent symptoms is best determined by a physician expert in disorders of the ear, known as an ENT. Until the basis for an ear disorder has been diagnosed, and clearance to dive is obtained from a qualified physician, it is prudent to refrain from scuba.
Best of luck.
DocVikingo
