Difficulty equalizing after deep dives

[muzicgirl]

Hi all!
I've been diving for a bit but on my last trip experienced some difficulties equalizing on my way up from the dives - lots of crackling in the ear and it became quite painful the last 10 feet or so. Did this 2 times and then called it quits for the trip. no infection, no perforation to the eardrum... My ENT wasn't sure why it happened...just looking for some advice! Thanks!
-M

 

[doctormike]

Sounds like a reverse squeeze (or near reverse squeeze)... good thing you were able to eventually equalize! Reverse squeeze can be a big problem, especially if you are running close to your air/deco limits. As the pilots say, "takeoffs are optional, landings are mandatory"..!

 

[TSandM]

I guess the question would be why you were able to equalize on the way down, but not on the way up. What that suggests to me is that you may be waiting too long to equalize on the way down, and ending up with some edema of the Eustachian tube that is impeding gas flow on ascent. I know that, when I have done a bunch of ascent work (lots of up and down), that's the only time my ears ever make any noise or let me know in any way that they are equalizing on the way up.

 

[muzicgirl]

Ok that being said, what can I do to help this not happen again!

 

[TSandM]

Have you watched THIS video? There is a lot of good information there.

The key is to try to keep the difference in pressure between the water and your ears from ever getting very big. This means equalizing before you feel as though you need to, and probably far more frequently than you have been doing.

 

[muzicgirl]

Thanks.....I'll check it out. I'm wondering if it could be because I've been told I have a narrow ear canal...it only happens in my left ear....so I guess we'll see.