Scuba diving……..?
I am to start a university course next year which includes a diving qualification. I have read in places that a perforated eardrum could cause problems whilst diving. However, it was 14 years ago since my eardrum burst and since then I have had no ear problems (Other than the occasional earache once every 3 months or something) Would I be ok to go Scuba Diving?
Also, I have mild asthma, but again it’s not major – Would this be a problem?
6 Responses
bigdog1983@ymail
10 Mar 2010
Heretic
10 Mar 2010
You’ll need a doctor to sign off on your class, as both the eardrum and the asthma are on the medical form for certifiying agencies as needing a doctors permission to take the class.
If your doc say’s your OK to go, you’ll be all set.
SPUD
10 Mar 2010
Like what heretic has said you will have to go for a medical first, but as far as i know you should be alright if you pass,you can get ear infection’s from the water,i have heard of these device’s that cover the ear so as you can scuba dive(don’t know what they are called or the price), I don’t know if you can take your ventoline down in a clip lock bag just in case you need it,when you get to the surface,
hope this has helped
Corin B
10 Mar 2010
The ear will be a major problem in the dive med. If you get earaches it tells you not to dive, because you have to equalise every couple of metres down.
Id advise you to go to the doctor and talk to them about it.
Doug
10 Mar 2010
Most of the certifying agencies have a medical questionaire. I would contact the university as soon as poosible to get the medical questionaire. Some agencies have a "doctor’s guide" for the questionaire that will explain why the questions are being asked. Ask for that as well.
If your doctor is familiar with scuba diving, then they will be more likely to give you medical sign off. Other doctors will refer you to someone else. I recommend getting this started as soon as possible.
Hermun
10 Mar 2010
A current perforated ear drum will prevent you from diving but most heal and after 14 years yours probably has if you’ve had no problems. If you have wax in your ears it a good idea to use some oil to soften it and let it out to prevent water getting stuck behind the wax. It will also allow a good look at your ear drum to ensure its intact.
Asthma can be a problem. You need to achieve a certain amount on spirometry (lung function / "blowing test"). Your asthma needs to be well controlled and you will need to do an "asthma stress test", to see if your lung function tests get worse with exercise or cold.
A quick test is to pinch your nose and try and blow through it, both ears should pop with no pain, do not try this with a cold and don’t push it to hard if they don’t. Not all Doctors do diving medical exams, your local diving shop with know of one in the area do, they will test your lung capacity for your asthma.