Ear Infection and Diving

aqua_man06 · 01-18-2007, 02:53 PM

On Sat (1-13-07) I went to the doctor since my ear felt full of fluid and it turns out I have an ear infection. As of yesterday (1-17) I went back since it seemed a little worse. They are keeping me on Antibiotics, gave me steroids and a strong upper decongestant.

The probelm is my girl friend have a trip to dive the Floridia springs planned and are leaving on Wednesday the 24th. In your guys' expierence do ear infections clear up well enough with 7-10 days to permit diving. My doctor used to dive and thinks I should be alright.

Is there any medication you guys know of that clears your ears well enough even with an ear infection to let you dive. If things dont improve by this weekend Im gonna call the doctor back.

**Resqdivemedic** · 01-20-2007, 03:26 PM

I would personnally not dive. A normal course of antibiotics takes approximately 10 days to completely rid the system of the infection. With the dates you have given, this puts the end of the antibiotic treatment at the start of the trip. From my own experience, I dove with an ear infection that I didnt know I had. The first thing I noticed was a had alot of problems equalizing. Then when I surfaced I had blood coming from my nose and my ear felt like it had a nail driven in it. I also had a terrible ringing as well. Later that night while working at the fire station I was able to get to a hospital after tranpsorting a patient, had a doc check it out and discovered an ear infection. I thoght I perforated my eardrum. Anyway, I would never do this again. Maybe you should contact divers alert network and speak to a diving physician who can give you better advice. Good luck, hope you feel better, and dive safe.

**glynneco** · 01-22-2007, 03:50 PM

Call DAN. If you are a member or not they will help. If you are not a member JOIN!

MgicTwnger · 01-22-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glynneco

Call DAN. If you are a member or not they will help. If you are not a member JOIN!

Amen!!!!!!

md2mum · 01-23-2007, 04:43 PM

I wouldn't dive until you go for a follow up with your doctor. It's not worth losing your hearing over one dive!

arnoutellis · 03-30-2007, 10:46 AM

i think it will be fine. a course of antibiotics does take 10 days to complete, however the infection would be expected to be clear within a couple of days. I think just go ahead, take the diving easy and if problems reoccur then stop.
I wouldn't let a silly ear infection get in the way of some great diving!!!