Ear pressure equalization: flying vs diving

[Zerovis]

In the words or Riger "Go see a Doctor"

the pressure increase in water is many times that of air if you want to maths let me know

if your have pain on take of your ears are not releasing the air expanding inside them.
during a dive you first equalize by adding air to the ears and sinus as you descend (like landing)then as ascend(takeoff) the air works its way out which is the part you have problems with.
you cannot imagine the pain you will feel if you trap air and it doesn't release and you have no choice but to come up to the surface.
Go see a diving doctor ,explain your problem clearly, explain it to your instructor , take it very slowly.
I have seen a lot of people who have had problems with their ears ,most were able to work on it

I hope it works out,

 

[b1gcountry]

I believe in the modern pressurized airplanes the pressure on the top is twice as little as it is on the surface.

Cabin pressure is mandated by the FAA to be between 6-8000'. At this altitude, pressure is around .75 ata.

You need to ascend to 18,000' in order to reach .5 ata. At this altitude, the pO2 isn't high enough to sustain consciousness, and you need Nitrox

Tom

 

[elan]

Cabin pressure is mandated by the FAA to be between 6-8000'. At this altitude, pressure is around .75 ata.

You need to ascend to 18,000' in order to reach .5 ata. At this altitude, the pO2 isn't high enough to sustain consciousness, and you need Nitrox

Tom

Thanks Tom for the exact numbers ! You know for the divers 0.25 ata difference is not a big deal

 

[k374]

great amount of information, thanks very much! That video was fanastic, thanks.

I think I will consult an ENT specialist just to make sure. It's good to know there is a term ("Reverse block") for this condition. I'm certain that my ears are equalizing since I am able to pop my ears very gradually on the way to 35000ft but it happens much slower than normal so I get an immense amount of pain initially from takeoff to 25000ft and then my ears gradually start to pop and equalize.

I have tried the pinching nose and blowing, for some reason that didn't alleviate the pressure....perhaps I was doing something wrong. When I use earplugs I get quite a bit of relief.

The interesting thing is that it affects only my left ear, my right ear is completely normal ascending and descending...so I know there is a problem on one side. I do have a history of sinus trouble though.

 

[knotical]

Pinching your nose and blowing increases the pressure in your middle ear and is not the best way to attempt to equalize while ascending. I've heard a few folks have success with nose-pinching and inhaling against the closed-off nose. I prefer passive methods such has yawning, swallowing, and jaw thrusts.

 

[b1gcountry]

Some helpful Links:

Prevention of Middle Ear Barotrauma

Practical Ear "Clearing"

 

[dpaustex]

I like the adage of "clear early, clear often" when teaching students.

Like others, there may be some blockage, which is causing a problem.

You didn't mention if it was both ears, or just one. If one keeps giving you problems, crane your neck to the side, with the problem ear higher in the air. You can gently massage behind your ear, down toward your neck, which sometimes helps.

Also, an old trick is to pop Sudafed before diving.

But if you can't clear, you'll have a miserable diving experience. As with other posts, you can do an Intro to Scuba at many shops for no cost or very little cost.