Ear issues

[Melanie White]

I am open water certified with 8 dives. Last diving we did was in Jamaica where we got certified. On the first dive I went down to fast and didn't equalize enough. My ears for the rest of the week was hard to ear on surface but ok underwater. We are going to Cozumel in September any hints about ears?
I know to equalize while on boat and starting at the surface and every 5 or so feet going down. And to go down feet first. And to look up and move my jaw if I have issues equalizing. Any other hints?
I also learned to not completely empty my bcd because I go down way to fast to equalize.
Thanks

 

[pepperbelly]

Descend slowly, equalize often.

If you descend too quickly to equalize with an empty BCD you are overweighted.

 

[GreggS]

Descend slowly, equalize often.

If you descend too quickly to equalize with an empty BCD you are overweighted.

Way over-weighted.

Melanie, minus a proper weight check (near empty tank, no air in BC, floating at eye level at surface), I would suggest dropping weight in 2 lb increments until you can drop down slowly with a full tank. But the weight check is the best way to do it so that you won't be under-weighted at the end of the dive. Remember the uncontrolled ascent to the surface? The same thing can happen at the end of the dive if you don't have enough lead.

 

[Melanie White]

Way over-weighted.

Melanie, minus a proper weight check (near empty tank, no air in BC, floating at eye level at surface), I would suggest dropping weight in 2 lb increments until you can drop down slowly with a full tank. But the weight check is the best way to do it so that you won't be under-weighted at the end of the dive. Remember the uncontrolled ascent to the surface? The same thing can happen at the end of the dive if you don't have enough lead.

Thanks I plan to do that on out first dive which will be a shore dive get it to 500 and hubby will take a few extra can give me some or take some from me
And I should easily hold at the bottom not float up or sink correct?

 

[Bubbles McGee]

Thanks I plan to do that on out first dive which will be a shore dive get it to 500 and hubby will take a few extra can give me some or take some from me
And I should easily hold at the bottom not float up or sink correct?

At the end of a dive with about 500psi left, you should be able to hold a "normal", not deep breath and float at around eye level.

 

[Melanie White]

At the end of a dive with about 500psi left, you should be able to hold a "normal", not deep breath and float at around eye level.

ok that helps a lot thanks

 

[GreggS]

Thanks I plan to do that on out first dive which will be a shore dive get it to 500 and hubby will take a few extra can give me some or take some from me
And I should easily hold at the bottom not float up or sink correct?

Keep in mind that you will be heavier at the beginning of the dive than at the end. After you descend, you will have to add a small amount of air to your BC in order to attain neutral buoyancy. During the dive, and particularly towards the end as you use your air, you will need to bleed off the air in your BC in order to maintain buoyancy. But in answer to your question, depending on how deep you are, yes, you should be able to hold at a particular depth. And again, you will probably need to adjust the amount of air in your BC. This is especially important when doing your 15 ft. safety stop.

 

[pepperbelly]

Melanie, there are many discussions on this board about perfecting your buoyancy. Search through the forums and read them all.
Do a search on youtube for videos on basic scuba skills.
Read everything you can to gain an understanding of the basics of buoyancy and trim. Then you will be better equipped to get your buoyancy nailed.
There are a lot of variables involved with weighting for perfect buoyancy.
Changing from aluminum tanks to steel will change the weight needed. Changes in diving attire- wetsuit thickness, etc. will change your weight needs. Changing from salt to fresh water will change the weight needed.
Most new divers tend to slightly move their fins while trying to descend. This give a thrust upwards making them believe they are underweighted.

In the near future consider a peak performance buoyancy course. It will help you in all of your dives.

 

[Snoweman]

+1 on being overweighted.

But, about your ears... Do they crackle when you yawn (on the surface)? You might try some 70% rubbing alcohol drops in each ear. It helps break up the water surface tension of the residual water in the ear. Now, if you drop to your knees in pain, dropping several f-bombs after putting the alcohol in the ear, you probably have an ear infection.

 

[Melanie White]

+1 on being overweighted.

But, about your ears... Do they crackle when you yawn (on the surface)? You might try some 70% rubbing alcohol drops in each ear. It helps break up the water surface tension of the residual water in the ear. Now, if you drop to your knees in pain, dropping several f-bombs after putting the alcohol in the ear, you probably have an ear infection.

Nope it wasn't like that it was just difficult to heat on the surface and drops did nothing but yes I will be using them as a prevention