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What Causes Muffled And Distorted Hearing After Freediving?
Question: Everything I hear sounds like it's coming from a blown out speaker. I just went free diving a few hours ago and had trouble equalizing.
Brief Answer:
It can be due to eustachian tube blockade or tympanic membrane retraction
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to health care magic!
Based on the history you have shared, it can be due to tympanic membrane retraction. Normally, pressures at both sides of eustachian tube are equal on both sides, and is kept in balance with the help of eustachian tube which remains open and transmits air in and out of middle ear into oral cavity or naso pharynx. If pressures in outside are increased for example while deep diving or aeroplane descents during landing or take offs, it disrupts this equilibrium and tympanic membrane retracts inwards. It can also happen woth eustachian tube blackest like in allergic or infective conditions which seems less likely in your case.
Few measures which can help you to get over this are, using chewing gum on affected side and blowing ears from inside with forcefully closing your mouth and nose for a while and letting air accumulate inside to push on the tympanic membrane from inside. Using decongestants may also help. Dry soft swabs can be used in case of discharge or signs of water in ear canal. If problem persists consult an ENT specialist for a detailed examination. Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
It can be due to eustachian tube blockade or tympanic membrane retraction
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to health care magic!
Based on the history you have shared, it can be due to tympanic membrane retraction. Normally, pressures at both sides of eustachian tube are equal on both sides, and is kept in balance with the help of eustachian tube which remains open and transmits air in and out of middle ear into oral cavity or naso pharynx. If pressures in outside are increased for example while deep diving or aeroplane descents during landing or take offs, it disrupts this equilibrium and tympanic membrane retracts inwards. It can also happen woth eustachian tube blackest like in allergic or infective conditions which seems less likely in your case.
Few measures which can help you to get over this are, using chewing gum on affected side and blowing ears from inside with forcefully closing your mouth and nose for a while and letting air accumulate inside to push on the tympanic membrane from inside. Using decongestants may also help. Dry soft swabs can be used in case of discharge or signs of water in ear canal. If problem persists consult an ENT specialist for a detailed examination. Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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