Abstract
A sample of 142 divers including technical, recreational and instructors were
examined via postal questionnaire to determine prevalence of ear barotrauma, related barotrauma symptoms and middle ear
infection. Sixty-four percent of divers reported symptoms of barotrauma, which included pain (47.9%), temporary deafness with
tinnitus (27.5%) and vertigo (9.9%). The prevalence of middle ear infection was present in over a third of the total sample
(37.3%), and were significantly more prevalent in the left ear than the right ear (P=.016). Consistently wearing a hood when diving
was associated with greater barotrauma symptoms than wearing a hood only in cold conditions (P<0.00). A significant
relationship was found between barotrauma symptoms and diver separation (P<0.00), and the implications are discussed with
relevance to the finding that nearly 27% of divers reported incidents involving separation from buddies when diving.
examined via postal questionnaire to determine prevalence of ear barotrauma, related barotrauma symptoms and middle ear
infection. Sixty-four percent of divers reported symptoms of barotrauma, which included pain (47.9%), temporary deafness with
tinnitus (27.5%) and vertigo (9.9%). The prevalence of middle ear infection was present in over a third of the total sample
(37.3%), and were significantly more prevalent in the left ear than the right ear (P=.016). Consistently wearing a hood when diving
was associated with greater barotrauma symptoms than wearing a hood only in cold conditions (P<0.00). A significant
relationship was found between barotrauma symptoms and diver separation (P<0.00), and the implications are discussed with
relevance to the finding that nearly 27% of divers reported incidents involving separation from buddies when diving.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 47-50 |
Journal | European Journal of Hyperbaric and Underwater Medicine |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published (VoR) - 2002 |