Ive noticed some slight pain in my ears when i snorkled earlier this summer and thought it was due to the cold water...However, time has proven different and it seems my left ear troubles me when i get it wet for a short period of time... Im nervous to dive with it, hate to be disappoint my dive buddy if I have to bail out...
anyone else have this problem?
solutions/advice?
Does it happen as you are going down deeper in the water, or just as soon as water gets in your ears?
Are you using valsalva or other techniques to equalize the ears/eustacian tubes?
First ask your dive instructor, if you don't get the answers you need, then go see your doctor!
It could just be lack of effective equalization.
Other than that, possibly damaged ear drums.
As a child did you get frequent ear infections that you may have had tubes in your ears?
Hopefully all will resolve in short order and you will be snorkeling and diving again soon!
Call DAN and speak to a DR.
i havent dove this year, not even a snorkle dive... im just at the top of the water and it hurts either from the cold or the prescence of water...
Another thought is to get a set of "Doc's Pro-Plugs" (I'm still looking for the link for these! )they are the only type of earplug safe to use while diving! They allow your ears to equalize and keep water out!
Or look into the "Pro-Ear 2000 ME 55 mask". It has build in ear cups that are connected to the mask space and allow better equalization.
I would call a doctor and have him make an appointment with an ear and throat specialist. We can sit here and offer all the advice in the world, but any problems with your ears should be handled by someone who specializes in this.
I personally just came from a doctor this morning, I have an ear infection. I can feel it coming on, my jaw starts to get stiff and sounds become muffled. If I address the issue as soon as I notice it, with the ear drops that are prescribed, I am good-to-go within a day or two. If I let the problem continue before seeing a doctor, it has taken me weeks before I can resume diving.
I keep on good terms with my doctor. I am leaving for South Carolina in 3 weeks (compliments of Uncle Sam) and will be their for about 11 weeks. While their, I hope to spend a couple weeks diving off the North Carolina coast. So I simply asked my doctor to provide me with an additional fill of my "ear drops".