snakes1989

hi ive had a perforated ear drum in my left ear for a few years now and i want to get into to diving. my doctors at the ears nose and throte hospital in brighton said i could go swimming as long as i wear a earplug. i was just wondering if i could go scuba diving with a ear plug in?

Scuba Mama

I will not sugar coat this. No, you would be excluded from diving. You must be able to equalize during decents and ascents. No ear plugs.

Resqdivemedic

A couple of problems may devlop when cold water enters the inner ear through the perforation. 1. You may experience dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance, and 2. You may be more susceptable to middle ear infections. I did some research through DAN on earplugs and most of their physicians dont recommend ear plugs that totally block the canal. Some state that vented earplugs may work but studies are inconclusive. I found a couple of websites that may help, www.proplugs.com has vented earplugs, and www.proear2000.com has a mask that seals the ears and allows equalization through tubes from the ear covers to the facepiece. Check them out. Lastly, contact DAN and get their opinion. Good luck and dive safe.