water in my ear!

[jana]

Hello,

I spent this weekend diving, and when I woke up this morning one of my ears had water in it. I didn't notice it at all during the weekend, and I've never had problems getting water out of my ears before by jump dumping a capful of rubbing alcohol in. I tried that this morning, and it's better, but still not good.

I can hear the water sloshing around, and it's sore to try to clear my ears or blow my nose.

I figure I'll try dumping some peroxide in after work to see if I can soften up the ear wax and let the water out. But if anyone has any other suggestions I'd love to hear them! I don't want this to turn into an ear infection or anything...

thanks!

 

[joewr]

Jana,

You may already have an ear infection. It sounds to me like you have fluid in your inner ear: and it would not be a good idea to dive until you get it cleared up.

Joewr

 

[GP]

Definately go see a doctor. I had a similar problem and my doctor said it was due to severe ear wax blockage. They put in some industrial strength ear drops and flushed my ear with a syringe until it was all clean. Best way to avoid it from happening I was told is to clean your ears every few months before the wax gets a chance to build up so much.

 

[BillP]

Hi jana:

A feeling of water in the ear after diving can be caused by several problems. If it lasts for more than a few minutes it is probably most commonly caused by middle ear barotrauma with fluid in the middle ear. It can be caused by water or wax in the ear. It can even be caused by an inner ear injury. Symptoms that last for longer than a brief period are best evaluated by a physician.

You can read more about ear problems on Scubadoc's Diving Medicine website at:

http://www.scuba-doc.com/entprobs.html

You can read about ear problems on DAN's website at:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=19

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=18

You can contact DAN to ask them about your ears too. Their contact info can be found at:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/contact/

You can also access the search function of this board and look for earlier threads that might have similar questions that would give you the answers you're looking for.

Hope this helps,

Bill