Glue ear

Durban · 04-09-2007, 06:42 PM

Hi

ive recently started to scuba dive and have had to stop becuase the DR says i have glue ear. She says that my ear canals are not designed for diving, as they are small and the pressure makes it difficult for my ears to clean themselves. I can equalize but they dont clean properly and hence i got wax building up in my ear. i really want to carry on diving but cant find anything about scuba diving and glue ear.Is there anything i can use to protect my ears? I am 28 years old so not a child which glue ear usually affects.

Any advice?

cheers tracy x

**dalehall** · 04-09-2007, 07:11 PM

If you can equalize, I don't see what the problem is. If she is worried about "build up" what about those products people use that clean out their ears? Available at any Wal-Mart or CVS... Use that regularly, then there would be no build up.

Scuba Mama · 04-09-2007, 07:27 PM

The bad news is some people can not dive. My husband has ear problems and is restricted from diving. You may seek the advise of another Doctor but make sure he understands dive medicine. For right now, follow what the Doctor has told you. If you mess around and ignore ear issues you could lose your hearing, I have a friend who was on a trip and ignored his ear hurting. It's been over 48months and he still can not hear from his right ear.

Scuba Mama

**glynneco** · 04-09-2007, 09:22 PM

Call DAN at the least get a refferal to a doctor who knows dive medicine

**dalehall** · 04-09-2007, 11:50 PM

After re-reading my post along with S/M and glynneco's, it sounded like I was playing doctor, questioning your Dr's advice and giving mine. Please don't take it that way. What S/M and glynneco said is absolutely correct.. I was just questioning what "glue ear" was, since you said you could equalize. It sounded to me like build up was the big question. Please don't think I was giving any medicinal advice contrary to your doctor's.

**Resqdivemedic** · 04-12-2007, 03:26 AM

I did a little research on glue ear and found that it is an accumulation of a thick sticky fluid behind the eardrum. It is usually caused by problems with the eustachian tube. Some of the studies show that it may reslove on its own and may take up to three months to clear. I agree that you should contact DAN for a referal to a diving physician in your area. Good luck and dive safe.