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Ear Disorder: Types and Information
There are a lot of ear disorders and we will be looking at just a few of them. If any part of your ear bothers you, go see a doctor, do not scratch and gouge out the ear. This may permanently bar you from diving.
External Ear Disorders
The most common is swimmer’s ear. This is bacterial infection caused by aquatic bacteria which starts to grow in your ear canal. It is a very painful experience and if not prevented or treated quickly, this may even require hospitalization. The only way to prevent this infection is by not poking around in your ear with foreign subjects e.g. cotton buds etc. This removes the protective wax and even scratch the eardrum. If the earwax prevents the water from draining then a doctor should remove some wax. If it is visible then only the visible bit should be removed by a cloth. Always keep a bottle of ear drops handy and use them after diving, this will keep your ear canals clean and free of infection.
Middle Ear Disorders
- Middle ear infection (otitis media): This is when bacteria is driven into the middle ear either by forceful equalizing or by a perforated eardrum. This will cause a painful infection several days later. Antibiotics is usually prescribed but ear drops should not be used as it can cause permanent deafness if a perforated eardrum is present. The best way to prevent this is to not dive when you have an upper respiratory tract infection. Do not dive with otitis media or an perforated eardrum.
- Middle ear barotrauma (squeeze): This is when the Eustachian tubes are partially blocked and do not allow the air to equalize between the mouth and ear. This presents itself as a squeeze feeling and if a forceful equalizing maneuver is used may drive mucus into the middle ear causing middle ear infection.
- Middle Ear Surgery: Any procedure that involves the stirrup or oval window must permanently bar diving. After the operation the risks should be discussed between the diver, dive doctor and the ear surgeon.
Inner Ear Disorders
Any abnormality of vestibular function will permanently bar the person from diving.
- Deafness: Totally deaf people can dive but they must have a buddy who can understand sign language. The use of a signal line is also recommended. People who have partial deafness should be able to equalize easily because the risk of increasing deafness when the middle ear is damaged, is very high.
- Seasickness: Seasickness is caused by the brain receiving conflicting signals from the ears and the body. To prevent this to a certain degree the diver must organiza his kit in a logical way on the boat and keep looking at the horizon. He must not try to read or look down at the deck. This will increase seasickness. There are a lot of drugs available and you should consult your diving physician for one suited to you. Another prevention which can be used, but probably will not, is to prevent to the intake of alcohol the night before. Some of my close friends, including my co-webmaster, will vouch for the seasickness inducing ability of alcohol.
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