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What Causes Pressure And Pain In Ears After Diving?
Question: Jumped into the sea water today from a 2 meter height. I felt immediate pressure pain in my ears. And it is still painful. I've taken some painkillers, but wondering whether I may have an ear infection? Thank you in advance.
Brief Answer:
Barotrauma is more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The ideal way is to get your ears examined by an otoscope or oto-endoscope.
2. It is unlikely that an ear infection on both sides would develop so quickly.
3. The more likely causes are barotrauma, ear wax (which is hygroscopic, readily absorbs water and expands), ear drum trauma, swelling in the ear canal (since the pain still persists).
4. There is also the rare chance that saltwater enters the ear via the nose and eustachian tube. There are ear tests to measure middle ear pressures such as Tympanometry (Impedance Audiometry).
5. Ear infection can be readily ruled out on direct ear examination.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Barotrauma is more likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The ideal way is to get your ears examined by an otoscope or oto-endoscope.
2. It is unlikely that an ear infection on both sides would develop so quickly.
3. The more likely causes are barotrauma, ear wax (which is hygroscopic, readily absorbs water and expands), ear drum trauma, swelling in the ear canal (since the pain still persists).
4. There is also the rare chance that saltwater enters the ear via the nose and eustachian tube. There are ear tests to measure middle ear pressures such as Tympanometry (Impedance Audiometry).
5. Ear infection can be readily ruled out on direct ear examination.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you.
I still have a slight ear ache, and have a ringing in my ears. I've also developed a head ache today. I wonder if the head ache is related.
Regards,
I still have a slight ear ache, and have a ringing in my ears. I've also developed a head ache today. I wonder if the head ache is related.
Regards,
Brief Answer:
Yes, the headache is most likely related.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, the headache is most likely to be related to this incident.
2. Since the ear ache has decreased, that is a good sign.
3. I would urge you to get your ears examined. If they are normal, this should settle down soon.
4. You may continue your anti-inflammatory (after meals) to control the ear pain and headache for a couple of days. If the pains persist the best option is the ear examination.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Yes, the headache is most likely related.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, the headache is most likely to be related to this incident.
2. Since the ear ache has decreased, that is a good sign.
3. I would urge you to get your ears examined. If they are normal, this should settle down soon.
4. You may continue your anti-inflammatory (after meals) to control the ear pain and headache for a couple of days. If the pains persist the best option is the ear examination.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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