Anyone else diving sans ear drum?

[Houseplant]

I've had a bit of bad luck and have been left with a bloody great hole in my right ear drum. Looks like it's going to be a good 6 months before the NHS get around to fixing it, so will tentatively continue diving with a pro-ear mask. Anyone else in the same position?

BTW, I know the risks and have a good chat about it with an ENT doctor, so no lectures please.

[Scuby]

Ooooh, dodgy There'll be no stealing your mask in Egypt then?

[Houseplant]

yeah, but you should see my new party trick!

[Simon A]

Just a thought for you. and if you decide to try this route you'll need to discuss it with your doctor first.
If the eardrum is perforated then there should be nothing stopping you from just putting an ear plug in that ear and going diving. You should have no equalisation problem as it's now 1 big air space.
HTH
Simon A

[Houseplant]

Hi Simon

I think it would work if I had no ear drum left at all, but since some of it remains and I would like to keep it that way, I'll stick with the pro-ear mask . There's also an issue with ear plugs in that pressure can push them down the eustachian tube and cause a lot of damage.

As an aside, went to Stoney today. Managed three dives without any problems with the pro-ear mask, so mildly confident that I can do some diving at least, although I wouldn't want to be messing around with the pro-ear on a RIB in winter conditions.

Cheers

Andrew

[buchhawk]

Originally Posted by Sipadan

I've had a bit of bad luck and have been left with a bloody great hole in my right ear drum. Looks like it's going to be a good 6 months before the NHS get around to fixing it, so will tentatively continue diving with a pro-ear mask. Anyone else in the same position?

BTW, I know the risks and have a good chat about it with an ENT doctor, so no lectures please.

Hi Andrew
I had a hole in my ear drum before i learned to dive, I have now had the operation (Tympanoplasty) + ( mastroidectomy).
Although i was not aloud to dive for 6 months after the operation.
I have to use a pro ear mask now which i have no problems with rib dives at all, although i am thinking of modifing a cressi big eyes with the ear cups.
If you are worryed in any way about the operation give me a PM ( i was)
Thanks Ken

[Houseplant]

Hi Ken

Thanks for the encouragement, glad to hear it's worked out for you. No worries at all about the op, just want the damn thing patched up so I can get on with my diving.

[Ferg3333]

Its about time aswell mate! Today was fun, hope the misses is happier now,

[Tom D]

Good to hear you're ok to at least do some diving in Egypt Andrew. Particularly as you've organised the trip!

Good luck with the ear, and see you in 4 weeks, 5 days (oh yes, I'm counting!)

Tom

[Houseplant]

cheers guys, have that warm fluffy feeling inside now and that's very different from feeling your mouth fill up with freezing cold water that has got in through your ear