What common non-diving activity do most divers pursue that CAN EASILY DAMAGE THEIR EARDRUMS OR CAUSE HEARING LOSS and prevent them from diving?
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The answer is ... flying! But not all airplane travel incurs this risk...only takeoff's and landings and/or having a head cold or allergy flare up. Why? Because you have to be awake to properly clear your ears and relieve the pressure buildup due to altitude changes. Falling asleep during take off and landing will allow the pressure to build on your eardrums and risk cause dizziness, ear infections, eardrum damage, hearing loss and nose bleeds. This is further compounded and complicated if you have a head cold or blocked nasal passages or ears due to allergies.
So try not to fly if you can not breath unrestricted and work HARD to stay awake until after the plane has taken off and reached altitude and THEN lean back, relax and catch some z's if you like. Just don't fall asleep too soon or forget to wake up before landing or you could risk ruining your next dive vacation including the one you may be flying to while reading this.
How do you know if you have burst an eardrum and what should you do?
Signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include:
- Ear pain that may subside quickly
- Clear, pus-filled or bloody drainage from your ear
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Nausea or vomiting that can result from vertigo
When to see a doctor?
Call your doctor if you experience any of the signs or symptoms of a ruptured eardrum or pain or discomfort in your ears. Your middle and inner ears are composed of delicate mechanisms that are sensitive to injury or disease. DO NOT GO DIVING. Prompt and appropriate treatment is important to preserve your hearing as well as your ability to keep diving.
For more information on how to preventing or handling a ruptured eardrum, click HERE.
