View Full Version : Blown Ear drum
OK,
Title says it all. Anybody have any experience with this? All I got from the doc was,"Yup, there's a hole, no flying, no diving, keep it dry." I was told not to use alcohol, peroxide,etc., and to take decongestants and pain meds if needed. Anything I can do to speed up or aid healing? Looks like I won't be using SCBAs for a bit.
Bill Harsey
05-01-2006, 21:41
superglue.
swatsurgeon
05-02-2006, 06:13
your doc is right on....time will heal it...give it 4-6 weeks to be completely healed. Just out of curiosity, how did you do it..if it can be discussed.(no op-sec issues)
I perforated one age 15...acute pain with wind/sound since the 3 little bones are now exposed to the elements. One of the 'earmolds' hearing protection devices can block all external assaults on the inner ear...make you more comfortable for a few weeks.
ss
CoLawman
05-02-2006, 06:18
......and no lifting weights or stenuous activity!
your doc is right on....time will heal it...give it 4-6 weeks to be completely healed. Just out of curiosity, how did you do it..if it can be discussed.(no op-sec issues)
I perforated one age 15...acute pain with wind/sound since the 3 little bones are now exposed to the elements. One of the 'earmolds' hearing protection devices can block all external assaults on the inner ear...make you more comfortable for a few weeks.
ss
SS,
Nothing I have done in my life falls under the category of Op-sec.
Not real certain as to exactly when it happened, the problem was brought to my attention when I went off of a dock into about 12-15 feet of water after my cell phone. Squeaking noises, intense pain, trickling water noises and loss of equillibrium. Good times.
I recently had a severe sinus infection and the current theory is that during the course of that infection, while trying to clear my head or blow my nose, I probably blew out my ear drum, and had not noticed until now. I was told that it should begin to heal in 7-10 days.
Trip_Wire (RIP)
05-02-2006, 11:01
When I first started Skin Diving in the '50's we used to have a lot of spear fishing contests in waters 30 to 40 ft deep. (No SCUBA.) We used dry suits at the time that had no valves, or way to put air into or out of the suit. I blew my ear drums a number of times both in & out!
Doctors would check my ears and tell me that my 'drums were covered with scar tissue! I have a hearing loss; however, I think that it was caused more by combat in Korea, military service and in the many years of Police service prior to 'muffs and other ear protection. :munchin
Peregrino
05-02-2006, 12:09
What Doc said! The cell phone probably wasn't worth it. (Does it still work?) Keep it (the ear) dry, avoid pressure changes (FLYING), and wait it out. It'll be sensitive for a while. I've seen a lot of them in the diving community. Avoid them in the future by staying out of the water if you have congestion. If you have to use a decongestant go with a long duration timed release and take it several hours before the diving activity. Avoid Afrin or similar when diving, it has a rebound effect and can be "addictive". Always valsalvo (clear your ears) before begining a descent, if you can't do it on the surface you WILL NOT be able to do it underwater. (And blowing bubbles out your ear is not cool - even if you are a junior frogman trying to impress your buddies. :rolleyes: ) Get well soon - Peregrino
superglue.
Over duct tape? I cry heresy, Harsey! :D
Kyobanim
05-02-2006, 13:02
Squeaking noises, intense pain, trickling water noises and loss of equillibrium
I had that with my first wife. Are you sure you're not married?
I had that with my first wife. Are you sure you're not married?
Relatively sure, I'll investigate further and report back.
Upon closer inspection, I found my wallet to be intact, leading me to believe that I am NOT, repeat NOT married.
Good thing you brought it to my attention though.:D
Bill Harsey
05-02-2006, 14:05
Over duct tape? I cry heresy, Harsey! :D
Sorry, went high-tec on ya.
Air.177, You didn't get this injury talking on the phone to some XX did ya?
The Reaper
05-02-2006, 14:09
Air.177, You didn't get this injury talking on the phone to some XX did ya?
Where has the Scream Queen been lately?:munchin
TR
Had mine blown due to a kick in the head under water, looked like a drunken bastard while wandering to shore. One good thing for showering are the silicone ear plugs that will mold to your ear.
Sorry, went high-tec on ya.
Air.177, You didn't get this injury talking on the phone to some XX did ya?
You may be on to something there Bill.