Risk of Damage to remaining ear?

[norstar]

Hi guys,

I'm deaf in my right ear - have been since birth due to nerve damage. I know that diving can present a risk of pressure trauma on my eardrums, and I'm sickly worried about losing the hearing in my remaining left ear. My questions are however:

1) I have free dived/snorkelled several times down to approx 7-10m with no ill effect by equalising pressure. Does this mean I'm unlikely to suffer damage if I scuba at this depth or a little more? Or is it a matter of time?

2) Will a pressure mask such as the 'Pro Ear Mask' help or protect my remaining ear? Or is there something else I can use to protect the "good" ear?

I desperately want to scuba but obviously with only one ear remaining, I really can't risk losing that hearing.

Thanks for any advice/help

Richard.

[Vic]

I know that diving can present a risk of pressure trauma on my eardrums

Almost - diving can present that risk if you don't follow the simple rules taught in basic training. Stick to what you're taught, and you should be just fine.

1) I have free dived/snorkelled several times down to approx 7-10m with no ill effect by equalising pressure. Does this mean I'm unlikely to suffer damage if I scuba at this depth or a little more? Or is it a matter of time?

If you can cope with immersion, you can probably cope with scuba - but get yourself checked out by a specialist first. There's a link to the UKSDMC at the top of the page somewhere.

2) Will a pressure mask such as the 'Pro Ear Mask' help or protect my remaining ear?

No, not really.

Or is there something else I can use to protect the "good" ear?

Good technique.

Really, it's not a big deal. Barotrauma is cause by a change of pressure without appropriate equalisation. That means either you forgot to equalise on descent, or you're diving with a condition that prevents equalisation. Avoid both of the above :-)

I desperately want to scuba but obviously with only one ear remaining, I really can't risk losing that hearing.

Talk to a diving doctor. You'll probably be just fine - but best to be certain. If nothing else, it'll stop you worrying...

Vic.

[Tony Dwyer]

I agree with Vic.

I have very poor hearing in my right ear. My hearing loss was caused by over pressure damage many years ago. My right eardrum was ruptured and has been punctured twice since following infections.

However, I have been diving for many years (started after the ear damage) and have absolutely no problem with equalising both ears.
This is important, you still need to equalise on the deaf side. The fact that you have hearing loss on one side, doesn't mean that you will not suffer severe pain and possible serious injury if you don't equalise.

I hope that you will be able to dive and will enjoy it.

[norstar]

Thanks for the reply guys, I remember the old days at school diving at the deep end, and it was always too far. Then I learnt to equalise pressure using the nose pinch and it was fine. Ever since I've been able to go to as far as the breath would allow - so pressure was never allowed to build up. I assume that's what you mean by good technique.

I did consult a doc before who reckoned it was a risk I shouldn't take, but last November I snokelled over a wreck in the Caribbean at about 30ft - magical!

[PeteM]

Thanks for the reply guys, I remember the old days at school diving at the deep end, and it was always too far. Then I learnt to equalise pressure using the nose pinch and it was fine. Ever since I've been able to go to as far as the breath would allow - so pressure was never allowed to build up. I assume that's what you mean by good technique.

It is not just that but that is a start

I did consult a doc before who reckoned it was a risk I shouldn't take, but last November I snokelled over a wreck in the Caribbean at about 30ft - magical!

Was it a diving doctor? To be honest most GP's and hospital doctors are pretty clueless when talking about diving matters, I've have had to tell medical professionals how to treat non diving related problems on divers in the past.

Also remember that you can not completely eliminate risk on a dive which is why we spend a lot of time talking about risk assessment. You have to make your own risk assessment. But to put it in perspective, I don't know anyone who has had permanent hearing damage from a dive despite diving and teaching for years

[norstar]

Yes he was a PADI doc. Pretty much said what you said - it's a risk assessment. But thanks for the reassurance. I guess that's ok. I think I'll look into it further... Thanks for all replies guys!

[MattS]

Yes he was a PADI doc. Pretty much said what you said - it's a risk assessment. But thanks for the reassurance. I guess that's ok. I think I'll look into it further... Thanks for all replies guys!Something which has not been mentioned is that minor hearing complaints and minor hearing loss are not uncommon amongst scuba divers that have been diving for some years. It might be imagined on my part but it always seems to be in one ear. Any further degredation could have much greater effect on your future quality of life than the same degradation in someone that starts out with 100% hearing. This may change your risk assessment and the doctor will take it into account when providing advice. Doctors also have to weigh up that people already diving regularly may experience a drop in their quality of life if they are prohibited from diving and the doctors advice may be less conservative.

You would be wise to speak to a Doctor that is qualified in diving medicine and related disorders. The UK Sport Diving Medical Council (UKSDMC) advise the British Sub Aqua Club and other diver training agencies operating in the UK. You can ring one of their Medical Referees and ask for advice over the phone. A full list of referee contact details is available on their web site.
UKSDMC Web Site Medical Referees (http://www.uksdmc.co.uk/main/Medical%20referees.htm) which is also linked at the top of the page.