Question for anyone that may know

[cheebaweebie]

My wife is a healthy 32 year old woman, she lost hearing in her right year when very young (infant). She hesitates even trying to dive over a fear of something going wrong and her losing hearing in her left ear leaving her totally deaf. She can equalize as she pops her ears when on a plane or when in a swimming pool but I want to know of anyone can speak to what affect if any this would have if she dove. She would never go to deep... probably limit her to 60ft of less and keep it to lobstering and sight seeing... save the extreme shi* for me and my spearfishing hobby. But I want her to experience diving because of how it has changed my life...
I have been told to seek out a Doc that has experience in diving to get advice... anyone know of a doctor in the Tampa florida area on the board that can give a reccomendation.

[RoadRacer1978]

Calling DAN is another option. Their medics can give you some good advice as well.

[BobbyWombat]

DAN probably can refer you to a good ENT doc with experience in diving medicine.

[Kokomo]

If she can clear in a swimming pool at about 10 feet I think she will have it made. I have trouble equalizing sometimes and the worst is about 10 feet. After that...all is well.

[Formerly 45yroldNewbie]

I had the same thing happen to me. Same ear too. I was told it was due to nerve damage from some sort of virus. Thus far there hasn't been a problem associated with diving but I haven't pushed depth beyond about 40' yet.

[divingmedic]

I took my OW and AOW with a deaf girl. As long as she has no problems clearing her ears diving should not be a problem.

[Charlotte Smith]

I can imagine her hesitation because if you have your hearing and aren't struggling with the fear of not being able to talk on the phone or hear your child call out to you......total loss of hearing isn't something you worry about......for her...she has one chance left and leaving that to chance must be pretty terrifying...see all the doctors you need to, and even after that....there is still a risk....but then there is a "RISK" in everything in life so she will just have to decide if this particular risk is something she can live with. just my 2 cents....

[Steve Scuba]

There was a deaf person in my OW course. He did have some small amount of residual hearing, so he got clearance from DAN before starting the pool sessions. He certified with the rest of us, and didn't seem to have any problems.

Of course, everyone is different, so seeking advice from DAN is definitely the way to go.

[divingmedic]

If deafness is from a birth disorder and nerve damage and damage to the inner ear itself, I do not see why and doctor would not clear one to dive. As long as one can equalize.

[CompuDude]

She'll want to be religious about clearing early and often, but as long as she can clear ok, I see no reason why diving would be contra-indicated.