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Old 10-03-2021, 02:31 PM   #1
Rogier
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Best ENT doctor for divers?

My wife has big time trouble equalizing her hears.
Only with Sudafed she can get down and even then it can take her 10-15 minutes to get down to 30ft (on scuba of course)

I recall that there is a specialist for divers in the San Diego area.

Happy to travel to find the best doc in Callifornia.
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Old 12-02-2021, 10:56 PM   #2
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Re: Best ENT doctor for divers?

bump - would like to know this as well.
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Old 12-09-2021, 12:38 PM   #3
charzar
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Re: Best ENT doctor for divers?

I've always struggled with allergies, but it always seemed there was more to my equalizing limitations. Early on, 30 ft was basically my max freediving due to ear pain, and often even less than that. After a CT scan it was determined a balloon sinuplasty to expand my sinus passage on one side would alleviate chronic congestion issues. I had that done a little over 10 years ago. My ENT was Cynthia Davis in Solana Beach. I don't think she is a specialist for divers, but I found her to be knowledgeable.

The procedure was a game changer for me. My sinuses are still a little janky, but they tend to get the job done to ~90 ft where my limitations may be more due to equalizing technique and shitty breath hold. Equalizing is now a limitation for me < 5% of the time, and in those cases it is driven by allergies/having a cold/dehydration/or something dietary (which goes back to allergies for me). So staying hydrated, sinus cleansing with a neti pot or something comparable when allergies are active, and having a steroid nasal spray on hand for the very rare need pretty much handles the other 5% of days with the exception of having a cold.
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Old 12-11-2021, 08:23 PM   #4
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Re: Best ENT doctor for divers?

Quote:
Originally Posted by charzar View Post
I've always struggled with allergies, but it always seemed there was more to my equalizing limitations. Early on, 30 ft was basically my max freediving due to ear pain, and often even less than that. After a CT scan it was determined a balloon sinuplasty to expand my sinus passage on one side would alleviate chronic congestion issues. I had that done a little over 10 years ago. My ENT was Cynthia Davis in Solana Beach. I don't think she is a specialist for divers, but I found her to be knowledgeable.

The procedure was a game changer for me. My sinuses are still a little janky, but they tend to get the job done to ~90 ft where my limitations may be more due to equalizing technique and shitty breath hold. Equalizing is now a limitation for me < 5% of the time, and in those cases it is driven by allergies/having a cold/dehydration/or something dietary (which goes back to allergies for me). So staying hydrated, sinus cleansing with a neti pot or something comparable when allergies are active, and having a steroid nasal spray on hand for the very rare need pretty much handles the other 5% of days with the exception of having a cold.
I used to be relatively uninhibited in depth but over the last 3 or 4 years have had chronic severe struggles getting down past 20 feet. Usually I'm good for one or two 40 foot dives before my left ear locks up and that's it for me.

I dropped 3k on the balloon procedure since insurance wouldn't cover it. Got it done on both sides even though left ear is the real problem.

It didn't do shit for me, sadly. I still suck at diving now. So I'd also like to know who's the best ENT for diving, hoping someone can flush me out and get me back to where I used to be. These ear issues really suck; my love for diving isn't what it used to be. Struggling to equalize kills your ability to relax and hunt effectively. It's frustrating to suck at something you were once good (or at least competent) at. What good is a near 6 minute static if in the water you're a 20 foot 45 second diver.
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