Barotrauma

Question
I have recently suffered barotrauma to my ear due to equalizing.  I now have hearing loss and tinnitus in my left ear.  Can you tell me how long the tinnitus may last.

Answer
Hi Phil,

Sorry to hear that.  Sounds like you ruptured your round window forcing a valsalva clear (at least that's how I did it around 15 years ago in Belize before I understood what I was doing... it's helped me to be a better instructor and I hope I've saved others from having this happen)

I had my hearing checked afterwards and I had lost my high frequency hearing in my left ear.  I also had tinnitus and occasionaly odd clicking/creaking sounds.  Music sounded distorted and I remember feeling really depressed about it.

It took many months (if not years) for the worst part to go away.  I still have some tinnitus but I don't really notice it anymore.  I have not regained the high frequencies in the left ear so for me it is hard to tell where my cellphone is when it rings.

I cannot comment on your situation, only share what happened to me, as everyone experiences these differently with varying levels of damage.

When you go back to diving remember to always clear before you need to, never force, and if you cannot clear, call the dive and get back to the surface.  There's nothing down there worth risking your health.

saludos,
James