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Middle Ear Oxygen Absorbtion Syndrome is sometimes referred to as "Draeger Ear" based on a majority of reported cases being Draeger LAR-V divers. It is a condition caused by a diver at pressure on high FO2. The oxygen in the middle ear is absorbed by tissue and when the eustacian tube fails to open there is a negative pressure created. Symptoms are similar to a squeeze (pain, feeling of fullness, blood, swelling, infection). The syndrome can be alleviated by occasionally performing a valsalva. I bet this happens a lot more than reported by divers performing 100%O2 deco for extended periods. Most experienced divers valsalva when they feel pressure somewhat unconsciously, which would prevent any trauma. Next time you are in a cave at a 20' stop for :45 and wonder why you are equalizing without any depth change it may be Ye Ole Draeger Ear. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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