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A CROSS-SECTIONAL RESEARCH TO ASSESS THE COMMON OCCURRENCE OF VARIOUS EAR RELATED COMPLICATIONS AMONG DIVERS

Dr. Rehan Raza Shan, Dr. Mahrukh, DR. Hafiz Muhammad Hammad Amin

Objective: The purpose of the research was to conclude the commonness of variant ear complications among divers as well as the contributory elements of these complications. Material and Method: This cross-sectional research was carried out at UHS, Lahore from April 2018 to December 2018. The numbers of divers selected for research were one hundred, selected through successive sampling. The entire enrolled divers were assessed and interviewed followed by preformulated questionnaire by the interviewer. Results: On the whole, the prevalence of ear complication was fifty-four percent including deafness, barotraumas and infections. Those divers having much experience of diving, face additional ear complication with respect to others. It was almost eight percent in those divers having the diving skill of one to eight years, thirty-two percent in nine to sixteen years and almost sixty-six percent in those divers having service experience as a diver for more than sixteen years (P˂0.001). There is a relationship between diving experience in years and hearing failure. Prevalence of ear complication was additional in smokers (58%) with respect to nonsmokers (26%) and it was identified as statistically important (P˂0.004). Main contributory element to the ear complication includes diving after prolong duration and infection of the upper respiratory tract. Conclusion: Prior to the diver’s selection, detailed medical checkup should be conducted for prompt detection and obviation. Keywords: Inner Ear Barotraumas (IEB) and Deafness.

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