Completed OW 1 and 2....Question on Equalizing

[Ronniemu]

Hi everyone!

I had no problems on my confined dives in a pool with equalization. My OW dive 1 and 2 went great today. However, I had a problem with equalization. The equalization problem started during the beginning of the descent. I think the hood (This was the first time I was wearing one) played a part with equalization. Any suggestions?

Also I never had a problem with my mask flooding during my confined, I became a pro at clearing my mask today as the mask leaked frequently. To my knowledge the hood wasn't in the way of the seal on the mask. I am not sure what caused the problem with my mask in the quarry that didn't show up in the pool?

 

[divetahoe]

Hi everyone!

I had no problems on my confined dives in a pool with equalization. My OW dive 1 and 2 went great today. However, I had a problem with equalization. The equalization problem started during the beginning of the descent. I think the hood (This was the first time I was wearing one) played a part with equalization. Any suggestions?

Also I never had a problem with my mask flooding during my confined, I became a pro at clearing my mask today as the mask leaked frequently. To my knowledge the hood wasn't in the way of the seal on the mask. I am not sure what caused the problem with my mask in the quarry that didn't show up in the pool?

Both of your issues are related to the hood. Since it is covering your ears it creates a little added pressure to overcome when equalizing.

If you didn't loosen your mask strap when using the hood, it may have been too tight, which surprisingly actually contributes to leakage when wearing a hood., the tension in the strap as it passes over the edge of the hood pulls the skirt away from your skin.

Hope this helps.

 

[miskatonic]

Equilize before you dive. If you have problems at depth just go up a few feet then try to equilize. You should be fine. You will notice that as you dive more it will be easier to equilize.

As far as the mask I am not really sure. It may be too big for you.

 

[davsholm423]

For the equalization, I'd definently look into using some OTC medications. Anything with a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) and/or a antihistamine should help. Of course in the PADI handbook it says "do not use medications," and i'm not a doctor, but as long as you don't have allergies to the products, and they do not affect you badly (drowsiness dizziness or sleeplessness) you should try them out and see if they help. Claratin-D and Sudafed are some of the more popular brand names. A saline nasal spray like Afrin would also help.

But like with most medications, take them a few times on land to see how you react to them before diving.

I know some divers, some are even instructors, who take a Sudafed before every dive to make equalization easier.

Some of the "24 hour" or other extended release tablets are a good alterative to traditional medications. This ensures that they do not wear off while diving.

 

[O'Malley]

I, too, had problems with equalization and mask seepage during my OW dives...equalizing at surface prior to descent and often during descent, venting hood upon decsent and adjusting mask strap to accomodate hood has helped me avoid these problems...I also will take pseudephedrine 12 hour 1 hour prior to dive. Just returned from Cozumel and amazed how EASY equalization was in 84 degree water and not wearing hood...however, diving in Midwest, hood will be standard exposure protection.

 

[SteveDiver]

Equilize before you dive. If you have problems at depth just go up a few feet then try to equilize. You should be fine. You will notice that as you dive more it will be easier to equilize.

As far as the mask I am not really sure. It may be too big for you.

100% agree...Equalize early and often...I have found that the more I dive the less issues that I have with equalizing... When I first started to dive I would come up with a nose bleed everytime...Now, I have no issues...

 

[johntt1986]

try letting some water into your hood because the hood can sometimes form a seal against your ear..or so i was told

 

[TheYellowSubmarine]

try letting some water into your hood because the hood can sometimes form a seal against your ear..or so i was told

I sometimes have to let a little water in my hood, if i feel that my ears aren't quite equalising perfectly. It works. I don't enjoy it all that much cause its a bit cold here sometimes, but it must have to do with the hood being trapped over your ear, cause I've tried lots of other things that don't work (shaking ear, jaw thrust, anything except to let the cold water in! )
The water heats up fast enough, its just a moment of discomfort really.

 

[Ronniemu]

Hi everyone!

I had no problems on my confined dives in a pool with equalization. My OW dive 1 and 2 went great today. However, I had a problem with equalization. The equalization problem started during the beginning of the descent. I think the hood (This was the first time I was wearing one) played a part with equalization. Any suggestions?

Also I never had a problem with my mask flooding during my confined, I became a pro at clearing my mask today as the mask leaked frequently. To my knowledge the hood wasn't in the way of the seal on the mask. I am not sure what caused the problem with my mask in the quarry that didn't show up in the pool?

Thanks for all the replies. I will be doing OW dives 3 and 4 on Saturday. When I do these dives I will take the advice offered and be more aware of equalizing. Regards to all

Ronnie

 

[Ronniemu]

Thanks for all the replies. I will be doing OW dives 3 and 4 on Saturday. When I do these dives I will take the advice offered and be more aware of equalizing. Regards to all

Ronnie

OW Dives 3 and 4 went well. Cert is on it's way. I have no more problems equalizing. my main problem with it was failing to blow hard enough. Thanks for everyones help and support. Ronnie