DAN Europe Medical Q&A

Ask DAN

DAN medical specialists and researchers answer your dive medicine questions

Q: I have hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears the condition is most likely hereditary. I want to try scuba diving, but with these ear issues I am not sure I should. Can I dive? Should I see a specialist first? A: Whether someone with hearing loss and/or other hearing problems should dive is debated among professionals with relevant expertise. Some experts suggest that a person with pre-existing hearing problems should not dive. This opinion is based on the idea that all divers place their hearing at risk of various injuries. Most of these injuries are preventable, but risk still exists. People with hearing loss are not necessarily at greater risk of injury than others, but the outcome of an injury might have much greater repercussions (e.g., total deafness). Other experts believe that if a potential diver fully understands and accepts the risks, he or she can consider diving. The risk involved is not quantifiable. Call the DAN medical information line to learn more about the various ways ears can be injured in the dive environment. Speak with a knowledgeable local dive instructor who can help you make an objective risk-versus-benefit analysis and tell you the injury-mitigation strategies you would learn in dive training. Finally, raise your concerns with your doctor or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Please feel free to encourage the doctor to call DAN to discuss your situation.

Q: This morning I did an MRI scan with contrast and tomorrow I would like to dive; I would like to know if there are any contraindications. A: Since approximately 24 hours will have passed from the MRI, you should have eliminated the contrast medium by then. Just to be sure, ask your radiologist specialist. In the event that their answer should leave you with further doubts, or if you have a major on-going pathological condition, a new medical visit will be necessary in order for you to be able to dive in complete safety.

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