Problems clearing with a hood

[Pane]

I was diving with a rented wetsuit a couple of weeks ago. It was a suit with attached hood, which I welcomed because the water wasn't the warmest (about 18 or 19 C). But I had problems clearing on my first 2 dives with that set-up, something I normally don't have. I was told this is a common problem with hoods. I did a third dive where I just let the hood down, and had no clearing problems.

Is there some way to prevent this issue? Fix it? I can handle 18 or 19 degrees without a hood but I can see myself diving in colder water than that, and a hood would be a nice addition.

 

[fisheater]

I find that when I'm wearing a hood (which is all the time in home waters and those nearby), it takes a bit more care to clear. I start while still at the surface, as my wing deflates, and then every breath for the first 30 feet or so. If you do "a little bit a lot," you shouldn't have issues.

 

[g1138]

There really should be no issue at all when you think about it. The only thing the hood may do that's different is being tight and keeping your jaw locked closed and back. This can press your throat muscles or tonsils against the openings of your eustachian tubes, making it harder to equalize.

Other than that, covering your ears shouldn't make it harder to equalize.
Keep practicing, try hitching your jaw forward and open when you try to equalize. The stress of having your head enclosed may also effect your ability to equalize.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

A well fitting hood can cause huge problems. If it is smooth rubber on the inside (the warmest hood) it can cause you ear drum to explode outward on descent.

If the hood is giving you any trouble, you need to let some water into the hood on the surface and before the descent. Some people burn small hole over the ear canal to allow water to come in, but I have not had to do that.

 

[gcbryan]

Maybe the hood is too tight? They need to be form fitting of course (and I've never had the problem you mention) but perhaps too tight could be an issue.

 

[Prostardiver]

I have had a hood suction cup against my ears and really hur one. As a result, I always hold the hood away from my ears when equalizing.

 

[raptor660]

I pull the sides of my hood out to break the suction if I feel it. It lets water in but only one time at the beginning of the dive. After that I have never had a problem.

 

[TMHeimer]

Water always gets in my hood. In fact I could do with a little less of it around my ears as I am prone to swimmer's ear. If your hood being so tight that it is actually giving you equalizing problems it could possibly at some point cause more dangerous problems.

 

[g1138]

A well fitting hood can cause huge problems. If it is smooth rubber on the inside (the warmest hood) it can cause you ear drum to explode outward on descent.

You've lost me, what's the process behind that?

 

[windapp]

If you get any air trapped in your ears, you can get a squeeze on the outside of your eardrum. It feels like you aren't equalizing even though you are. All you need to do is burp the hood as soon as you get under the surface to let the water on your ears. After that, no problems. I also got a throat squeeze once. I let some water in on my neck at 60 feet. Boy was it ever cold. Next time, I will be letting a little water in when I am shallower so I don't freeze again.