Do you think my history of ear problems will affect me during scuba diving?
Up until I was about 8 I had tubes in my ears and I’ve several ear infections up until I was about 11 or 12. I’m now 15 and haven’t had any ear troubles since. I’m about to go on a 3 week diving trip with about 28 dives where I will learn how to dive in the beginning. Because of all the ear infections I had I am wondering if that’s a problem or not. Also, I’m a little aprehensive about the diving part of the trip so does anyone have any kind of advice or suggestions?
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it might. you should ask a doctor.
Hard to say if it will be a problem or not, but it is certainly possible. That is going to be a lot of diving though. I did 8 days in a row (17 dives) and ended up with a clogged ear for several weeks that turned in to an ear infection and now gives me problems with clogging when I am in the water for a prolonged period. BUT, fear not, for there is help!!
I am trying a fairly new invention (2001) called the Pro-Ear 2000 Mask, check it out at http://www.proear2000.com/. If this mask works like they say it does, happy ears are HEAR to stay!!
I also had tubes in my ears as a kid and recently went to the ENT doctor who said my left ear drum is a little scarred and misshaped, probably from childhood. I am 38 now. It doesn’t drain as well…so, I need to pop my ears several times a day, especially after diving, which is sometimes extremely hard to do. If you can’t get the pro-ear 2000 mask in time for the trip, take along a 50/50 mixture of 91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol and White Vinegar. Actually, take this remedy along regardless. Put about 5-10 drop in your ear and lay on your side allowing the liquid to sit in your ear(s) for about 5 minutes. Do this BEFORE and AFTER each day of diving. The alcohol helps to dry the ear canal of any excess water/liquid. The white vinegar will restore/maintain the PH balance/acidity of your ear canal and help keep the bad bacteria away. This is a home remedy for Swimmer’s Ear that you will pay $4.00 at Wal-Mart for a 2oz bottle. For the same price you can buy the ingredients to make it yourself and have a LOT more than 2oz. I also suggest taking a break after a few successive days of diving to give your ears, and body, a chance to recouperate.
As for your aprehensiveness about diving, that is ok…good actually. Diving CAN be dangerous, but if you know what your doing and follow the advise of your instructor, you’ll do fine and you will have an AWESOME time. Diving is extremely fun, but you need to respect the sport and follow good safety practices.
I am curious to know how you make out. If you think of it after your trip or have any more questions about my advise above, email me at skalten@gmail.com.
Good Luck, and HAVE PHUN!!
OH – Best place I have found to get the Pro-Ear 2000 is at http://www.leisurepro.com.
Sarah,
If you DO NOT have a perforated eardrum, rubbing alcohol or a 50:50 mixture of alcohol and vinegar used as eardrops will evaporate excess water and keep your ears dry.
Before using any drops in the ear, it is important to verify that you DO NOT have a perforated eardrum. Check with your ENT or ear Dr.to see if you have ever had a perforated, punctured, or injured eardrum, or if you have had ear surgery.
That is a lot of dives for 21 days. Be careful about fly directly after a dive and use a hair dryer to help dry those ears.
Hope it helps.
You still have very small ear tubes so clearing will be a problem if you go more than 30ft or another atmospheric pressure. Go see 1st an ENT Doctor to check and clear the tubes. If ever you go on the training of diving, it if high chance that you will infect your ears. Better bring along an antibiotic (ask your doctor and your instructor about it) ear drops. In the Philippines, I use to carry always ear drops everytime i dive. Alternative is aqua oxinahada. An antibacterial material use to clean open wounds. Lastly, dont use Q-tips or anything cotton swabs 3 days after the dive. I will aggravate the situation.