Underwater Ear Problem (most likely uncommon)?

Question

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a problem with my right ear when I go underwater. Once I go deeper than two feet or so, I experience excruciating pain. The pain is deep inside and it hurts so badly that I can't help but to scream. At my first swim team practice last season, I had forgotten my ear plug. We were working on flip turns and it was fine until I got home. I couldn't do anything except cry and scream because it hurt so badly. The pain lasted for hours on end and it was a hassle just to fall asleep that night. I've been to a few doctors hoping that they would discover the problem and be able to fix it, but I haven't had any luck. I've noticed that when I put my fingers in my ear, the canal in my right ear feels more open, to say. It's like it's shaped differently. I know I could just use earplugs, but the problem is that I'm working towards becoming an animal trainer at SeaWorld. So it frightens me that my ear could destroy my dreams. Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Ya i have experienced this problem many times. I went ot the docter and he told me i should sit out of practice and swim meets for about 1 week until my ears start to not hurt. After the week that he told me to wait i went swimming and they hurt again, so i put of the earplugs. The earplugs worked great and i never had any more problems with them on. Althnough i had to were a swim cap on top of the earplugs , so tnhey wouldnt come off.

Answer 2

*****I have heard of procedures that require doctor to insert small tubes into the canal to allow proper clearing of pressure.  The tubes stay in for quite a while.  Then you still need to keep the ear dry. You may end up having to face up to the fact that you're not able to do underwater activities, but that's a bummer.

As a certified SCUBA diver, I have learned some tricks for clearing my ears gently.  Sometimes the old pinch the nose and apply pressure is too harsh.  Try grinding your jaw a bit as you enter the pressure zone, and it may help alleviate the pressure and pain.  If not, you need the doctor to help.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Go to  an ear doctor and have them check it out.  Maybe you have a ruptured ear drum or something else that only a professional could see and diagnose.   I had my adnoids? taken out when I was younger and I think that helped me with some things....