Ear problem - needs advice

[Jack-]

Hello

I had some ear problem from bad equalizing in a dive and since then been hearing ringing noise in my ear. Went to ENT dr and had examination and MRI and he confirmed ear is perfect and there's nothing to worry about....It's been for around a year now. Also happened to me that sometimes after acdive had a vertigo while sleeping which awakes me suddenly at night! Anyone know anything about this from experience if it's serious and noise will go away?
Cheers

 

[watts]

If its been a year its probably going to stay. You just learn not to listen to it.
Have you had a hearing test?
Still diving?

 

[dimitris33]

If it is a very thin sound like iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, then I think might be the same as me. It is called idiopathic tinnitus (I dont know if this is how it is called in English). My ENT said that it is like one filter of my hearing nervous going wrong (the one that filters the internal sounds of our body) so this thin sound comes from internal organs. He said that in order to overpass it I must continuously hear something even when I am sleeping, for instance light music. Never did this but the sound is gone now though it took some months!

 

[Rik]

Tinnitus, ringing in the ears, often occur in non-divers as an result of damage due hard sounds and is often understood as being caused bij damaged cells in the inner ear.

Tinnitus in diving might have an different cause and can be linked to barotraumata. I am not sure if an MRI can exclude fistulas after barotrauma, but I guess the ENT was informed that the complain was linked to diving, so he could evaluate that aspect of the complaint. Vertigo is also linked to the ears. It might be connected to diving, but it is also possible that both (the tinnitus and the vertigo) might be symptoms of a whole different problem.

So you might want to consult your ENT again, especially with the new complaint of vertigo. Please let me know (PM or otherwise) how things go.

 

[Jack-]

Thanks guys. Yes I'm still diving my ears equalize well and ENT said go ahead however not really comfortable about this tinnitus things all time...btw what is the fistula. Is this oval window problem. Other symptoms to detect that? I had to confess I had some forceful valseava while diving before...so must be linked to that. Thanks a lot stay well and dive safe. Cheers

 

[Rik]

Yes, this could be window related. However, this is again something for your ENT doctor to decide. If he or she said that you go diving again, he might just already ruled that out with MRI.

Forceful Valsalva should be avoid as possible, the pressures with valsalva can get very high and although barotrauma due valsalva is rare, it is not impossible.

Tinnitus can occur both due diving, due exposure to hard sounds and due other causes (Ménière among others). The question is if the Vertigo is related to the diving or due a different cause. This is something for the ENT physican to evaluate.

Overalll, tinnitus is very hard to treat and, although it is easier said then done, it is best to not to fight it. I have tinnitus for several years but I don't "hear" it actively any more since I decided to live with it. (It is still there, background noise doesn't block it anymore).

 

[bigrthnplanctn]

...as you can see there are many nerves sending heaps of info to be processed.....hence as already mentioned, Tinnitus could have been caused by some other pressure created and falsely sent(or on a different level) as a message to be "heard", though your description says it all. This is why I personally believe the unification of mind, body and spirit is a primary exercise for freediving. None-the-less, Tinnitus does not have to stay with you forever. You can indeed block it out through acceptance, but also clarity in your each and every dive. Taking your preparation seriously and being right there with what you are doing in that moment instead worrying about what is still to be done. Time goes quicker this way and before you know it your times are s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g without "effort". (Sorry, I can get carried away)

The vertigo seems not to be due to a loose Stapes, (otherwise known as stirrup) [can loosen itself with a blow or great pressure over time], which you could easily fix yourself, but also a wrong message. The question that hasn't been answered - is there recognisable pressure still in your ear? ... you could try massaging behind and in front of your ear, downwards....pulling your ear in different directions.... and if you notice that this relieves something then you really should consult your ETN again!

Heavens above, I'll stop now, if you would like you can send me a personal message.

I wish you all the best for your ever onwards.

Regards

 

[Jack-]

Thanks again guys for your helpful feedback. Will keep you updated about the situation.
Cheers

 

[Salehthefish]

Hello and welcome on DB... Get well soon

All best

 

[Simos]

If anyone does find anything that helps with tinnitus... I am all ears!

 

[Jack-]

And stress makes timnitus worse actually more than diving.

 

[Jack-]

Today I had a dive and feel bit lightheaded now. Does it suggest anything?

 

[bigrthnplanctn]

"And stress makes timnitus worse actually more than diving."

Indeed Jack, which is why I mentioned Yoga as a supporting pillar, not only for diving, but as a stress combatant. Progressive Muscle Relaxation, specifically the Jaw exercise when done regularly can give relief. My tinnitus is back with a vengeance, so I've started the jaw tensing.....hold it and relax... Hope it works for you.

"Today I had a dive and feel bit lightheaded now. Does it suggest anything?"

Hey, Jack, how long did the lightheadedness last? THIS TIME I have the ear anatomy pic. attatched....so, you can see how problems easily effect deeper laying anatomy including the brain! Please take care.:martial

 

[Jack-]

Hi . Thanks for your generous feedback. This lightheadness lasted for 2 hrs than it's gone. I feel it's due to wetsuit making some pressure around neck which caused some muscle tension after dive then caused this feeling.
ENT still confirms nothing wrong with ear. This situation is becoming bit strange and I will find the answer.