Can You SCUBA Dive If You Have Tubes in Your Ears?
- The fact you had ear tubes inserted in the past is not necessarily a factor in scuba diving, though a physician should check to be sure your ear drum incisions have healed properly. About six weeks of recovery time is necessary.
- The ears are subjected to pressure as divers go deeper, and it's necessary to "clear" the ears by holding the nose and blowing to avoid a painful rupture.
- A history of ear infections can make diving difficult as an occluded eustachian tube might make it hard to clear your ears. If you have a history of ear problems and clearing your ears on descent is difficult, you should probably reconsider diving as there is no surgical or other procedure that can correct this.
- If tubes are actively in place, diving should be avoided. The tube allows water to enter the inner ear, increasing the likelihood of infection or vertigo.
- A visit to the doctor should confirm whether incisions have healed and whether the eustachian tube is functioning normally.