## Tinnitus After Scuba Diving: A Common Occurrence
Tinnitus, a high-pitched ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, is a common occurrence after scuba diving. It usually resolves on its own within a few hours or days, but in some cases, it can become chronic.
### Causes of Tinnitus After Scuba Diving
The most common cause of tinnitus after scuba diving is barotrauma, which occurs when there is a sudden change in pressure in the middle ear. This can happen when you ascend or descend too quickly, or if you hold your breath while changing depth.
Other factors that can contribute to tinnitus after scuba diving include:
* Dehydration
* Fatigue
* Stress
* Alcohol consumption
* Certain medications
### Symptoms of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can range from a mild annoyance to a debilitating condition. Symptoms can include:
* A high-pitched ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears
* Difficulty hearing
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Vomiting
### Treatment for Tinnitus
In most cases, tinnitus will resolve on its own within a few hours or days. However, if your tinnitus is severe or does not go away, there are a number of treatments that can help.
These treatments include:
* **Tinnitus retraining therapy:** This therapy helps you to habituate to your tinnitus so that it becomes less noticeable.
* **Cognitive behavioral therapy:** This therapy helps you to change the way you think about your tinnitus and to develop coping mechanisms.
* **Sound therapy:** This therapy uses white noise or other sounds to mask your tinnitus.
* **Medication:** In some cases, medication may be used to treat tinnitus. This medication can include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and steroids.
### How to Prevent Tinnitus After Scuba Diving
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent tinnitus after scuba diving. These include:
* **Equalize your ears frequently.** Equalizing your ears helps to maintain a balance of pressure between the inside and outside of your ears. You can do this by swallowing, yawning, or pinching your nose and blowing gently.
* **Ascend and descend slowly.** Ascending or descending too quickly can cause barotrauma. It is important to ascend and descend at a rate of no more than 30 feet per minute.
* **Don’t hold your breath.** Holding your breath while changing depth can also cause barotrauma. It is important to exhale continuously while ascending and descending.
* **Stay hydrated.** Dehydration can make tinnitus worse. It is important to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your dive.
* **Get enough rest.** Fatigue can make tinnitus worse. It is important to get enough rest before and after your dive.
* **Avoid stress.** Stress can also make tinnitus worse. It is important to find ways to manage stress before, during, and after your dive.
* **Avoid alcohol.** Alcohol can make tinnitus worse. It is important to avoid alcohol before, during, and after your dive.
* **Talk to your doctor.** If you have any concerns about tinnitus, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you to determine the cause of your tinnitus and recommend the best treatment options.
### Conclusion
Tinnitus is a common occurrence after scuba diving. In most cases, it will resolve on its own within a few hours or days. However, if your tinnitus is severe or does not go away, there are a number of treatments that can help. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent tinnitus after scuba diving.