Clearing problems..usually on 2nd dive

[lord1234]

So, I am up to 8 dives now(aren't you so proud) and have noticed that I haev some clearing problems. Specifically in my right ear. I clear my ears roughly every 1 or 2 feet as I descend down to around 10 feet and then feel like I need it ever 4 feet thereafter for a bit. However, my right ear always seems to have problems clearing, seems like I have to push that much harder for it to clear. Anyone have any ideas? I don't want to risk popping my eardrum.

-L1234

 

[cummings66]

need it ever 4 feet thereafter for a bit. However, my right ear always seems to have problems clearing, seems like I have to push that much harder for it to clear. Anyone have any ideas? I don't want to risk popping my eardrum.

-L1234

Not that it means anything, but my right ear has problems on occasion too. What works for me is to tilt my head the opposite of what I need to clear, left here, and then try. What that does is stretch the eustration tube a bit more and makes it easier to clear. I also tip my head backwards to clear it, seems to work better for me that way.

At any rate, the doc says my ears look fine so I don't know why it does it, but it's always been that way, even when I swim I have issues with the right ear.

 

[lord1234]

thanks, I will try that!

 

[jimmac]

To help equalize the presure in your ear to the ambient presure try taking deconjestents before you dive. Even if you are not stopped up. If you can equalize at the surface you should be able to equalize at depth, as long as you equalize early and often.

 

[AevnsGrandpa]

As an experinced diver with 35 dives (hey hey!!!) I run into this also and have hurt myself by holding my nose and blowing to hard.

Be careful, go back up a couple of feet and try it again. I actually have gotten away from the holding the nose and blow equalizing. I find that I can mimic a yawn and exhale and I clear. Doing this continually on the way down on every breath helps alot.

I dove this last Saturday and had no problems with eq. going down to 72', but on the next dive I had to stop for a bit at 15'??!! So there is no certain rhyme (sp?) or reason to when you might have a hard time of it.

Good luck and keep diving!

Jeff

 

[WinDuck]

I too have problems clearing. Clearing often is the key for me, specifically before the problem exist. Once you are having difficulty it is time to come up a few feet, clear and then continue to decend. Also, you might try the piston thoart clearing method. Do a SB search and you will find the link for the lecture that was given. Very informative. Tilting the ear has worked for me also. Don't rush take it slow, ascend a little if necessary.

Dive ON

 

[jimmac]

Exercising your jaw will help you equalize as well. If you can not equalize by holding your noise and applying pressure gently, you SHOULD NOT blow as hard as you can. This is a very very good way to rupture your ears. You ears are very important to take care of if you dive on a regular basis. I know many people who cannot teach or dive day in and day out because they have ear problems. Save your ears, equalize early and often.

 

[CIBDiving]

The fact that it's the second dive gives you a clue - you are causing trauma on the first dive. Are you starting to clear your ears Before you descend? add a little pressure on the surface and stay ahead of it on the way down ( BTW the every 2 ft to 10 ft and 4 ft on down to 30 or so is about right) Don't force it! that is likely what is causeing the trouble.
tilt your head back and away from the side that has the problem ( it's not nessesary to 'pop' both sides at the same time - do one side than the other if you need to. Push your jaw out and rock it from side to side as well as up and down. Try not to drown while preforming these contortions! and even if they don't work - they'll amuse your buddy!

 

[stiwi]

Maybe try some other methods of equalizing?
http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=123

Cheers,
Sebastian.