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Diving Safety, Accidents and Incidents Post here to discuss accidents, incidents, ideas, gear, or anything else to improve spearfishing safety. Memorials and condolences threads should be placed in that separate forum.

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Old 02-17-2014, 01:34 AM   #16
Carlsbad
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

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Originally Posted by Apneaddict View Post
I thought I was totally fine, but all of you guys have me paranoid now!?!?

Is that a slight ringing I hear???
Mind games.

I'm sure I'm fine.

I equalize probably 5x to -10m. Frequent equalization is the key.
I dove this morning from 8ish to noon, maybe 30ft at the deepest. I was fine when I exited but 9 hours later, at 9, things started to sound funny. Kinda muffled. Also I tried to swallow, that didn't fix it, I equalized, that didn't fix it.

I tried using ear wax cleaner. It filled my ear at first, then after a while it felt like when you put drops in your ear but they haven't fully covered the ear drum yet. Same for the other ear. I don't know what that means! Do I have a hole in my drum or something? Because my head was sideways the hole time and it felt like air in there on my eardrum all of a sudden.

EDIT: I wrote that last night, it's the next morning, things still sound funny especially on my left side, I slept on the left, my nose was congested this AM especially on the left. Should I ditch work and go to the doctor/urgent care if they don't have availability?

I'm kinda paranoid that I may be getting ringing or maybe I always had it.

The thing is, like a lot of you, I dove every single day, hours at a time for months. I have difficulty breathing through my nose, feels like narrow sinuses. I have allergies. Even if I'm clear all day, anytime I dive I get congested. It's like I'm allergic to something in the water. I've always had trouble with my ears but jbl hydroseal earplugs helped me be able to equalize at all. That worked well I think but it doesn't seem to work well in my hood. I think the hood covers the holes, so I put a hole over each ear but I think the hood still covers the hole in the earplug. I think the ear cups of the IST Pro Ear mask over my earplugs would work because it would keep the hood off the hole in the earplugs but that mask sucks! I'm trying to find a solution.

I never feel pain in my ears while diving but sometimes my ears won't equalize well so I abort a dive. I think I wouldn't have any hearing problems if I gave my ears a day off between dives to heal. I may have hearing issues because of no rest.
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Last edited by Carlsbad; 02-17-2014 at 09:10 AM. Reason: See "EDIT"
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Old 02-17-2014, 01:03 PM   #17
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

I have lost my hearing in my right ear now twice . The first time it happened it was immediately noticed after i finished a two and a half hour fresh water spear fishing session. I gave it a day then went to an ear specialist who couldn't see a problem with it! He gave me a prescription for steroids and a hefty bill.By the end of a week my hearing came back to it's normal ringing state.The next time it happened almost a year latter It didn't happen immediately.The next day It faded out.There was never any pain and I didn't have any congestion problems on that trip of four days of which I usually do. This time I didn't go to a doctor and my hearing came back in about a week. Since then my left ear has lost some hearing which improves when I pinch my nose and add some pressure to it.Like an old car you learn tricks to make it work.I'm 53 now,I guess it's all down hill from here! lol. Doctors are not a cure all but can't hurt to get their opinion (except for your wallet). Good luck and never say never!
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Old 02-17-2014, 04:59 PM   #18
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

Thank you, that makes me feel a lot better. I can't wait until someone invents something that prevents ear barotrauma or repairs it at least. I have a feeling prevention's just around the corner and repair in our lifetime. I really need to find an expert who can tell me what I'm doing wrong and what medical procedures/meds I need. I'll be going to a Kaiser head & neck surgeon (ENT) in a month. My doc says I have e-tube dysfunction, sinus issues and allergies.
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I have lost my hearing in my right ear now twice . The first time it happened it was immediately noticed after i finished a two and a half hour fresh water spear fishing session. I gave it a day then went to an ear specialist who couldn't see a problem with it! He gave me a prescription for steroids and a hefty bill.By the end of a week my hearing came back to it's normal ringing state.The next time it happened almost a year latter It didn't happen immediately.The next day It faded out.There was never any pain and I didn't have any congestion problems on that trip of four days of which I usually do. This time I didn't go to a doctor and my hearing came back in about a week. Since then my left ear has lost some hearing which improves when I pinch my nose and add some pressure to it.Like an old car you learn tricks to make it work.I'm 53 now,I guess it's all down hill from here! lol. Doctors are not a cure all but can't hurt to get their opinion (except for your wallet). Good luck and never say never!
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Old 03-02-2014, 06:52 AM   #19
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

When I started going diving a lot I guess I had a bit too much wax in my ears and the cold water clogged it up, stubborn me living with a blocked ear for a few weeks finally goes to doctor to get it flushed out, perforated eardrum from infection and/or the lady cleaning it (idk nor do I really care) + perm ringing in my right ear.

But I really do hate it when you are diving and all you can hear is ringing. Makes it harder to enjoy the beauty or relax sometimes. Though other times I don't even notice it.

Feels good to be apart of the gang haha
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Old 03-02-2014, 07:57 AM   #20
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

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When I started going diving a lot I guess I had a bit too much wax in my ears and the cold water clogged it up, stubborn me living with a blocked ear for a few weeks finally goes to doctor to get it flushed out, perforated eardrum from infection and/or the lady cleaning it (idk nor do I really care) + perm ringing in my right ear.

But I really do hate it when you are diving and all you can hear is ringing. Makes it harder to enjoy the beauty or relax sometimes. Though other times I don't even notice it.

Feels good to be apart of the gang haha
That's odd,

My ears don't ring as bad when I am at depth. Or maybe I don't pay as much attention to it.
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Old 03-02-2014, 08:46 AM   #21
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

I'm 63. I have dove for 30+yrs an made lots of mistakes. You get used to the ringing. Some days it is worse than others. I'm just grateful that I can still dive and enjoy the sea. Bad thing about the ringing is that using earplugs to sleep doesn't stop the ear ringing.
I just turn up the music loud enough that I can't hear the ringing. Problem solved.
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Old 03-02-2014, 11:19 AM   #22
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

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I'm 63. I have dove for 30+yrs an made lots of mistakes. You get used to the ringing. Some days it is worse than others. I'm just grateful that I can still dive and enjoy the sea. Bad thing about the ringing is that using earplugs to sleep doesn't stop the ear ringing.
I just turn up the music loud enough that I can't hear the ringing. Problem solved.
Thank you, great thread, makes me feel a lot better & more educated. I know so many of you have real ear issues and yet maintain a positive outlook. After resting, alcohol & tea tree oil, my ears are better. Turns out mine was just temporary from many months of diving daily with my hood blocking my earplugs. I'm thinking of trying the IST Ear Pro 2000 mask's ear cups over my ears to keep the hood from affecting the earplugs.

I found out from a friend that post-dive inflammation and temporary symptoms is somewhat common.

The information from threads like this go a long way toward ear-saving education/awareness. I wish I were trained in dive medicine and smarter but I'm working on finding a way to prevent otitis, tinnitus and aural barotrauma in general. I know someone can find a cure or prevention if there were more of a market for it.

Something else I heard is on land after potential barotrauma it's tempting to equalize by blowing hard hoping that your ears were okay and just had pressure issues. That can cause damage. Instead use patience, seek immediate medical attention etc depending on the situation.
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Old 03-02-2014, 05:54 PM   #23
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

My problem is Mastoiditis: Infection of the mastoid bone, just behind the ear. Mastoiditis can result from untreated middle ear infections.

I've been a water baby all of my life. I've dove a lot and have had problems equalizing the right side during descent.

I now dive with pro-plugs along with a hood. I have tried the ear cup mask, but just couldn't get used to it. If I don't use the plugs, I get an ear infection. I carry a spare pair in my Save a Dive kit.

I hope you figure out what works best for you. You look waaaaaay to young to be having these problems.
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Old 03-02-2014, 08:06 PM   #24
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

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My problem is Mastoiditis: Infection of the mastoid bone, just behind the ear. Mastoiditis can result from untreated middle ear infections.

I've been a water baby all of my life. I've dove a lot and have had problems equalizing the right side during descent.

I now dive with pro-plugs along with a hood. I have tried the ear cup mask, but just couldn't get used to it. If I don't use the plugs, I get an ear infection. I carry a spare pair in my Save a Dive kit.

I hope you figure out what works best for you. You look waaaaaay to young to be having these problems.
Dive Gal,

Tell me about the pro plugs;

You dive with them, and they don't impede your ability to equalize, and they keep your ears dry. If that's the case, I am going to try them.
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Old 03-03-2014, 05:56 AM   #25
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

I just got freaked out as well. I want to get a hearing test.
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Old 03-05-2014, 10:15 PM   #26
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

Here's a link to Dr.ProPlugs: https://www.proplugs.com/

You have to go to a LDS to be sized or you can buy your own size chart first (cheap). Get the vented model. The plug keeps your ear canals dry and warm. The tiny vent allows you to equalize.

I've used both the leashed and the not leashed. I'm still not sure which I like better. The clear looks better, but the red are so much easier to locate.
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Old 03-06-2014, 12:22 AM   #27
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

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Funny, now my ears are ringing also, WTH?!
My ears ring when I'm stoned and drink too much LOL...

This is great thread I've always had problems clearing that it really preventing me from enjoying the sport entirely. I put my ears through alot of stress over the several years i dived and pushed my limits, luckily I never heard that pop sound cause many dives i was waiting... but some sharp inner ear headaches post diving and scary vertigo underwater wised me up quick...
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Old 03-06-2014, 07:33 AM   #28
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

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Originally Posted by DiveGal View Post
Here's a link to Dr.ProPlugs: https://www.proplugs.com/

You have to go to a LDS to be sized or you can buy your own size chart first (cheap). Get the vented model. The plug keeps your ear canals dry and warm. The tiny vent allows you to equalize.

I've used both the leashed and the not leashed. I'm still not sure which I like better. The clear looks better, but the red are so much easier to locate.
Thanks, I will try them.

was wondering how they worked, but the vent answers that.

Keith
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Old 03-06-2014, 01:33 PM   #29
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Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

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Originally Posted by DiveGal View Post
Here's a link to Dr.ProPlugs: https://www.proplugs.com/

You have to go to a LDS to be sized or you can buy your own size chart first (cheap). Get the vented model. The plug keeps your ear canals dry and warm. The tiny vent allows you to equalize.

I've used both the leashed and the not leashed. I'm still not sure which I like better. The clear looks better, but the red are so much easier to locate.
I've been on the fence on those for a while, but you talked me into it.

If it prevents even one ear infection, they will be worth every cent.

Mike
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Old 03-14-2014, 06:02 PM   #30
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Question Re: Permanent hearing loss/ringing in the ears- How many of you have it thanks to div

This has been hit pretty hard but I too have around 15-20 per cent loss--what happened Im not sure-equalized with no problems to 50 feet settled in watching the fish and an incredible roar let go inside my head, as if you were used to listening to a stereo at2 and some kid cranked it to 12, a ripping tearing sound-freaked me out and I hit for the surface-that night I had a little bit of blood coming from both ears--went to the hospital in Loreto and the Doc said both my eardrums were intact but that were infected, took antibiotics stayed out of the water for 10 days and went back diving--no problems, other than the hearing loss.
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