Suggest Treatment For Perforation Of Ear Drum Due To Diving

Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 19 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My ten year old daughter is a diver, diving from 1m and 3m springboards. She has a fungal infection which has been cleared using micro suction, anti biopics and ear drops - the infection has not effected her hearing (she has had two hearing tests), she has not been ill or in any pain at all. The doctor says she has a slight perforation of her ear drum and has advised quitting her diving permanently. We are considering paying and getting a second opinion

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please avoid diving and swimming!

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Your doctor is right in advising your daughter in quitting diving , atleast for the time being.

Children are more prone to ear infections and specially when the ear drum has a hole , the chance of infection is very high. this will further increase when water will enter the ear as in swimming .

Repeated infections will increase the size of the perforation in her ear drum and can lead to worsening of her hearing.

I would also advice her to stop diving , at least till she is around 12-13 years of age, that time you can get another opinion from a ent doctor and maybe that time she can start diving/swimming.

I know this is a difficult decision for you , but it is for your daughters benefit and i hope you will understand.

Take care!

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj