## Can’t Hear After Scuba Diving: Causes and Treatment
Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity that allows people to explore the underwater world. However, scuba diving can also lead to a number of health problems, including hearing loss.
Causes of Hearing Loss After Scuba Diving
There are several different ways that scuba diving can cause hearing loss. These include:
Barotrauma: This is a condition that occurs when there is a difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the ear. This can happen when you descend or ascend too quickly while scuba diving. Barotrauma can damage the eardrum and the inner ear, which can lead to hearing loss.
Noise exposure: The sound of the scuba gear and the water can be very loud, and this can damage the hearing.
Infection: The water in scuba diving pools can contain bacteria that can cause infections of the ear. These infections can damage the ear and lead to hearing loss.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss After Scuba Diving
The symptoms of hearing loss after scuba diving can vary depending on the severity of the damage. Some people may only experience a mild hearing loss, while others may experience a complete loss of hearing. Symptoms of hearing loss after scuba diving can include:
Difficulty hearing
Muffled sounds
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Dizziness
Nausea
Treatment for Hearing Loss After Scuba Diving
The treatment for hearing loss after scuba diving will depend on the severity of the damage. In some cases, the hearing loss may be temporary and will improve over time. In other cases, the hearing loss may be permanent.
Treatment options for hearing loss after scuba diving include:
Medical treatment: This may include antibiotics to treat infections, or surgery to repair the ear.
Hearing aids: These can help to amplify sound and make it easier to hear.
Cochlear implants: These are surgically implanted devices that can help to restore hearing.
Preventing Hearing Loss After Scuba Diving
There are a number of things you can do to prevent hearing loss after scuba diving. These include:
Equalize your ears: This means swallowing or yawning to open the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears.
Ascend slowly: When you ascend from a dive, do so slowly to give your ears time to adjust to the change in pressure.
Avoid loud noises: If you are exposed to loud noises while scuba diving, use earplugs or a wetsuit hood to protect your ears.
Get your ears checked regularly: If you have a history of ear problems, be sure to get your ears checked regularly by a doctor.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is a serious problem that can affect anyone who scuba dives. However, there are a number of things you can do to prevent hearing loss after scuba diving. By following these tips, you can help to protect your hearing and enjoy scuba diving for many years to come.
Additional Resources
[National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss/scuba-diving-ear-barotrauma)
[Divers Alert Network](https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/health/diving-and-hearing-loss)
[Scuba Diving International](https://www.scubadiving.com/caring-for-your-ears-after-scuba-diving)