## Is Tinnitus Common After Scuba Diving?
Tinnitus is a common symptom after scuba diving, and it can be a major concern for divers. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears when there is no external source of sound. It can range from a mild ringing or hissing sound to a loud, debilitating roar.
Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Exposure to loud noise: This is the most common cause of tinnitus. When you expose your ears to loud noise, the tiny hairs in your inner ear can become damaged. This damage can cause tinnitus.
Trauma to the ear: This can occur from a blow to the head, a blast injury, or a sudden change in pressure.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease and acoustic neuroma, can cause tinnitus.
How Common Is Tinnitus After Scuba Diving?
Tinnitus is a relatively common symptom after scuba diving. Studies have shown that up to 50% of divers experience tinnitus after a dive. However, the majority of cases are mild and resolve within a few days.
What Causes Tinnitus After Scuba Diving?
Tinnitus after scuba diving is most commonly caused by:
Barotrauma: This occurs when there is a sudden change in pressure in the middle ear. This can happen when you ascend or descend too quickly, or when you equalize your ears improperly.
Decompression sickness: This is a serious condition that can occur when nitrogen bubbles form in your blood and tissues. Decompression sickness can cause a variety of symptoms, including tinnitus.
How Can I Prevent Tinnitus After Scuba Diving?
There are a few things you can do to prevent tinnitus after scuba diving:
Ascend and descend slowly. This will give your ears time to adapt to the changes in pressure.
Equalize your ears properly. This means gently blowing into your nose while pinching your nostrils closed.
Take breaks during your dive. This will give your ears a chance to rest.
Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your ears hydrated.
Avoid diving if you have a cold or sinus infection. This can make you more susceptible to barotrauma.
What Should I Do If I Have Tinnitus After Scuba Diving?
If you experience tinnitus after scuba diving, it is important to see a doctor. Tinnitus can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as decompression sickness.
Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order some tests, such as a hearing test or an MRI.
Treatment for tinnitus will depend on the underlying cause. In most cases, the tinnitus will resolve on its own within a few days. However, in some cases, treatment may be necessary to manage the symptoms.
### Treatment for Tinnitus
There are a variety of treatments that can be used to manage tinnitus, including:
Sound therapy: This involves listening to white noise or other sounds to help mask the tinnitus.
Tinnitus retraining therapy: This is a type of therapy that helps you to retrain your brain to ignore the tinnitus.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy helps you to cope with the emotional effects of tinnitus.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.
### Conclusion
Tinnitus is a common symptom after scuba diving. However, the majority of cases are mild and resolve within a few days. If you experience tinnitus after scuba diving, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.