Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 9/11/2008

Question
Hello,

I dived (7 divings) 2 months ago and I had a barotraumatism to the right ear. I went to see a doctor to be sure that eardrum was not damaged. He told me that it was barotraumatism nothing to worry about. I did not take the anti inflammatory, because I avoid to take drogs. But I still don't hear well from this ear, what should I do. would it be worth to go to an etiopath or osteopath to help me out from this.

Thank you for your quick reply

Olivia

Answer
Hi Olivia,
Barotrauma is nothing to fool around with. I have seen divers with barotrauma who suffered permanent damage.  If treatment is not initiated as soon as possible, the likelihood of recovery diminishes.  The doctor you saw - was it an ENT by the way - gave you an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling yet you did not take it. Barotrauma does not just affect the eardrum and the middle ear, but can cause extensive damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear as well.  You need to see an ear specialist who will look inside the ear and see if there is still any blood in the ear behind the eardrum.  Next, you must have a hearing test to see the extent of the damage especially to the inner ear.  Depending on the results of these tests, you must follow the recommended treatment if you have hope of recovering any hearing.  However, after two months of no resolution, especially if there is damage to the inner ear, it is possible that the loss may be permanent.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology