Cant equalize my right ear. Im NOT gooing to let this stop me!

[ScubaCollin]

Hey guys, Im not sure if this can be fixed or not, or maybe i wont know till i get under water.

Anyway when i use the technique to equalize i only hear the pop in my left ear (this is while im not under water) Does this mean that my right ear isnt equalizing? Or i just cant tell it is.

I had tubes put in my ears when i was young. Im not sure if this is the problem. Im not going to let something like this stop me from diving. If there is a problem with my equalizing, is there anyway i can fix it?

(Im acuc cetified, and i had no problems in pool. However i did have to use sudafed(?) every once inawhile.

 

[MarcHerm]

Just try it and if you have problems, go to a doc to check this!

I would recommend a medical examination for divers anyways b/c there could be issues that you're not aware of...

 

[ScubaCollin]

Just try it and if you have problems, go to a doc to check this!

I would recommend a medical examination for divers anyways b/c there could be issues that you're not aware of...

If there is problems, can they be fixed?

 

[pipedope]

There are lots of reasons why you would not hear one ear 'pop'. It may be because that ear doesn't equalize well or it may the that it equalizes so easily that you don't notice it on the surface.

To learn more about your ears and diving, go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html

and watch the streaming video, "The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure".

Many ear problems can be fixed, diagnosis and treatment require a good doctor, preferable an ENT who dives.

Good Luck

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Get checked out by an ENT that has knowledge of diving (contact DAN for referrals if needed) before making another move.

 

[The Chairman]

Or skin dive to the bottom of a pool and see if you have any discomfort... that's the real test.

 

[ScubaCollin]

Or skin dive to the bottom of a pool and see if you have any discomfort... that's the real test.

Like i said, i already did pool, and I hear the greatest pressure change is within the first 10 feet or something like that.

 

[The Chairman]

Not everyone will hear an audible "click" or even a pressure buildup when they do a valsalva manouver (pinch nose and blow). If you are not feeling any discomfort in the pool then you probably are fine... PROBABLY. It might be wise to have a physician look at the tympanum while you perform the manouver. S/he should be able to detect movement of it outwards as you do this.

 

[fmw625]

My oldest son had tubes in his ears that produced a permanent hole in his ear drum on his left side. he can actually blow smoke from his ear (not recommended). He never has problems flying or driving at high altitudes with this ear. He does have to equalize his right ear though. He doesn't dive and has to use caution swimming to make sure water doesn't get in his inner ear canal. Might want to check for hole in your ear drum.

 

[H2Andy]

i almost never hear my right ear pop or hiss or whatever... it just sort of happens
automatically

my left ear, on the other hand, i usually can hear, no matter how careful i am
(ideally, i would like to equalize so smoothly that i don't notice either)

however, since there is no pain or discomfort on either ear, things are good.

so long as you don't feel any pain at all, you should be ok. if you feel a little pain,
go up and equalize, don't force it.