Hi divers, today i will list out absolute and relative contraindication for Ear problem in Scuba Diving
Absolute Contraindications
- Inability to equalize pressure in the middle ear by auto-inflation. This may be due to a correctable problem such as polyps, nasal septal deviation or coryza in which case the diver can be reevaluated after correction of the problem.
- Perforation of the tympanic membrane. Until fully healed or successfully repaired with good Eustachian tube function, diving is contraindicated.
- Open, nonhealed perforation of the TM.
- Tympanoplasty, other than myringoplasty (Type I)
- History of stapedectomy. * Recent studies have shown that this is not necessarily true. See this article:. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedectomy does not appear to increase the risk of inner ear
- History of inner ear surgery
- Status post laryngectomy or partial laryngectomy
- History of vestibular decompression sickness
- Radical mastoidectomy (posterior) involving the external canal is disqualifying. (Closed childhood OK)
- Meniere's disease is disqualifying
- Labyrinthitis
- Perilymphatic fistula
- Cholesteatoma is disqualifying
- Cerumen impactions -remove before allowing to dive.
- Stenosis or atresia of the ear canal-disqualifying.
- Facial paralysis secondary to barotrauma
- Tracheostomy, tracheostoma
- Incompetent larynx due to surgery (Cannot close for valsalva maneuver)
- Laryngocoele
barotrauma in scuba and sky divers. These activities may be pursued with
relative safety after stapes surgery, provided adequate eustachian tube
function has been established.
Relative Contraindications
- Recurrent otitis externa or media
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- History of Tympanic Membrane perforation
- Significant hearing loss in one ear
- Midface fracture
- Facial nerve paralysis
- Full mouth prosthetic devices
- Head and neck radiation
- Migraine, severe (scotomata, CNS symptoms and stroke after diving)
