Ear Issue

[percussionist1]

My wife and I returned back from Cozumel last Thursday. And ever since my second dive on our second day (Tue), my left ear has been "muted." Just that ear. It sounds/feels similar to having water in my ear. What is weird is my wife is having the same issue (although I know it is just a coincidence). My wife feels some pain in her ear, I do not however. After my first dive on the second day, there was some blood in my mask (from my nose). Not much, but it was noticeable. No more after that one time. We both had some issues equalizing during the dives.

My wife went to our doctor and he gave us some heavy decongestants. They haven't worked as of yet. I have personally tried two different medications to remove water from my ear. I am beginning to get a little concerned. Please understand I am not looking for a "internet diagnosis." However, I am hoping find out if anyone has had similar experiences. If so, what was it? More than anything, I want to be able to offer some ideas to my doctor.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

[fisheater]

I had similar problems after my OW checkout dives. With so much (read: "everything") being new, I didn't equalize as often as I should have and I used too much force and not enough patience when I did.

Both ears felt "muted" and like they had water in them. They didn't have water, just internal swelling from middle ear baratrauma.

My problems went away after a few weeks. Yours likely will, too.

YMMV and I'm not a doctor and don't play one on television.

[Charles R]

I had the same issue and it was fluid build up in my inner ear. They gave me some steroid anti-inflammatory and antibiotics. Dr said tubes were blocked and not allowing inner ear to drain. Another thing to consider is you may have perforated your ear drum to check tilt your hear and fill your ear with water if that water is running down your throat you may want to find an ENT.

[wgt]

Originally Posted by Charles R

I had the same issue and it was fluid build up in my inner ear. They gave me some steroid anti-inflammatory and antibiotics. Dr said tubes were blocked and not allowing inner ear to drain. Another thing to consider is you may have perforated your ear drum to check tilt your hear and fill your ear with water if that water is running down your throat you may want to find an ENT.

Hi, Charles:

The problem would have been with your middle ear rather than your inner ear, I believe. This would seem to be the problem with the OP, as well.

The condition of the OP would indeed be expected to resolve over time under the guidance of the physician, perhaps with the assistance of decongestants and possibly antibiotics if an infection is implicated. Once recovery has occurred, then thought will need to be given to prevention (many relevant suggestions on this topic are scattered throughout the forum).

[DOWNDEEP73]

Originally Posted by wgt

Hi, Charles:

The problem would have been with your middle ear rather than your inner ear, I believe. This would seem to be the problem with the OP, as well.

The condition of the OP would indeed be expected to resolve over time under the guidance of the physician, perhaps with the assistance of decongestants and possibly antibiotics if an infection is implicated. Once recovery has occurred, then thought will need to be given to prevention (many relevant suggestions on this topic are scattered throughout the forum).

Same thing happened to me.....slight pain in ear....went to the doc when I got back and he gave me an antibiotic for my middle ear.

[mwhities]

I've had the same ear infection for the last month and a half. I can usually wait it out and it clears up but, I can't this time. I got some antibiotics. Same symptom the op has.

[oddbod]

I find the blocked tube is the hardest part for me to fix, try an inhaler they seem to help the decongestant work faster for me.
Just reading about it has made my ear go funny (Okay I'm a hypochondriac )

[percussionist1]

Thanks for everyone's help so far! I have a lot to go to my doctor with now. And a lot to think about for future dives.

Percussionist1