sticky ear problems...

[Aquagenic]

Hey Guys,
I went diving last Monday (it's friday now) and I have been having problem with my sticky ear, the right one. Ever since I dove I have had the feeling like there was a very small amount of water in my ear, and I can hear things magnified inside of my head as if there is water in my ear (chewing, swallowing, teeth grinding, etc.), or as if that ear still has pressure in it.

And I know that I didn't rupture my eardrum because I can still pressurize and depressurize that ear. Could I perhaps of stretched my eardrum? or maybe gotten a little bit of water trapped inside of my inner ear? I am new to deep diving, and any theories would be appreciated. I am beginning to get concerned because it has been several days and the problem is still there. Thanks in advance, Till Later...

~Picksmith

[JasonWelbourne]

Don't know for sure but it sounds like you either squeezed your ear a bit, or your tubes are stuck open.

[DeepThought]

COULD be water that are traped in the outer ear behind wax block or something. If so an infection might persue, try cleaning inside in a non-invasive manner - rinsing repeatedly in the shower with warm (not hot) water, maybe with soap or something.

[Aquagenic]

I tried extensive rinsing, felt good, but didn't seem to help. I also rinsed with alcohol to avoid infection. I know that my E-tubes are not stuck open because I can pop them, open and close them using BTV. I think I must have given myself a squeeze. Although it is still noticable, it is not nearly as bad as it was a few days ago. I will just taking it easy on diving for a few more days. Hopefully things will clear up on their own. Thanks for the input! Till later...

~Picksmith