A friend of mine ruptured her ear drum last week. Doctor told her it’s a big no-no for swimming, especially in the sea (obviously). She will also be getting a “professionally” fitted/made ear plug so water doesn’t get in (when taking showers).
However, she’s got a IM70.3 race in 5 weeks. . We’re still debating on whether she should take the risk of racing or not. We have thought about taping and covering her ear in addition to the ear plug for additional protection.
I have…its terrible…water seeps into your mouth via you ear and you practically choke. get some really good pliable earplugs, warm them up and mold them in your ear, but not IN YOUR EAR.
Mine was a residual from a blast/head injury from Iraq. I thought it was fully healed and i sneezed and blew it out again. I thought i just popped it until i went swimming and as stated above. I didn’t need surgery or anything, asked about swimming and the ENT doc prescribed some drops to put in my ear after each swim. He did say to use an earplug.
I have…its terrible…water seeps into your mouth via you ear and you practically choke. get some really good pliable earplugs, warm them up and mold them in your ear, but now IN YOUR EAR.
Mine was a residual from a blast/head injury from Iraq. I thought it was fully healed and i sneezed and blew it out again. I thought i just popped it until i went swimming and as stated above. I didn’t need surgery or anything, asked about swimming and the ENT doc prescribed some drops to put in my ear after each swim. He did say to use and earplug.
So, are the drops and ear plugs permanent requirements for rest of your life, or has the ear drum healed now??? Also, did you at least get a Purple Heart out of it??? I spent 10 months in IRQ and 28 in AFG with several close calls but no Purple Heart-worthy injuries.
I have…its terrible…water seeps into your mouth via you ear and you practically choke. get some really good pliable earplugs, warm them up and mold them in your ear, but now IN YOUR EAR.
Mine was a residual from a blast/head injury from Iraq. I thought it was fully healed and i sneezed and blew it out again. I thought i just popped it until i went swimming and as stated above. I didn’t need surgery or anything, asked about swimming and the ENT doc prescribed some drops to put in my ear after each swim. He did say to use and earplug.
Thanks Mike. Did you have any problems with infections? She will be getting a personally molded ear plug. The doc also gave her some drops for her ears. Hopefully the ear plug will keep water out of her ear and avoid any infections.
My advice would be to make sure she has seen by an ENT. Many ear perforations are misdiagnosed and there is actually just some dry skin/and or wax obscuring visualization of the eardrum. If it truly is ruptured, the good news is most spontaneous perforations heal rapidly. Have the ENT check the ear about a week out from the race. In the meantime, keep the ear dry and allow it to heal.
My advice would be to make sure she has seen by an ENT. Many ear perforations are misdiagnosed and there is actually just some dry skin/and or wax obscuring visualization of the eardrum. If it truly is ruptured, the good news is most spontaneous perforations heal rapidly. Have the ENT check the ear about a week out from the race. In the meantime, keep the ear dry and allow it to heal.
Unfortunately, it’s definitely ruptured. It was checked by an ear specialist. Now the race to recovery before the actual race. Good advice on having it checked a week before the race. Will definitely do that.
no drops and plugs not permanent, it healed up will some hearing loss. Never pushed for a PH for this since it was more of a over pressure blast injury. My two PHs were somewhat earned if you can call it. I’ve been retired now just over year year after 22 yrs, 75th, JSOC 82d.
Glad your ear drum healed though bummer about the hearing loss. Any permanent damage from the the 2 PHs??? Were you medically retired??? PM me if you’d prefer.