Doc's Vented Proplugs

[jringold]

While at the ENT yesterday, since I have an ear issue, I was given a set of Doc’s vented Proplugs. Just wondering if anyone else has tried these. I’ll be using them next week and will post a review but has anyone on Scubaboard ever tried them before?

 

[tsuyoshi]

They worked great! Get it fitted & check the little opening for plugs. 26 dives in 10 days for me still goin when some folks began to have ear problem from multiple dives.

I braught a spare set too.

 

[AJMcc]

Have used them for a few years and love them.

 

[TheRealScubaSteve]

What would happen if they fell out under water?

 

[TMHeimer]

They are connected with a plastic line, so you'd have to have both fall out at the same time. I used to wrap the line once around the mask strap, but don't bother any more. I would if I used them in the ocean (I only use them in the pool). I found that they keep water from going very deep in the ears--but the hood does the same thing. As well, it's difficult to keep them in place if under a hood (at least I found it difficult). Water will still go way in if you jerk your head around or do some fancy upside down flips, etc. I find that water will go in deep if you're not careful donning fins in water (ie., you move your head too quickly when reaching to put a fin on). Some say the plugs make equalizing easier. Can't comment as I never have equalizing problems. Not sure how equalizing can be better than having nothing at all in your ears. Doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Damselfish]

the vented plugs seem to help many people with equalizing, including me. I care more than it works than the reason. I usually wear a hoodie and that at least seem to help them stay in if anything.

I do dislike the plastic line they some with and usually swap it for a piece of thin elastic or other cord. It's challenging to get anything through the hole but can be done - a dental floss threader is one way. ( I found out the hard way that you still have to order with the cord even if you're not going to use it, as otherwise they don't have premade holes in them. I'm guessing the hole is made in one operation with inserting the plastic cord. Making a hole in the little buggers without wrecking them is very challenging.)

 

[NateS]

I thought these plugs sounded neat so I was poking around and found this, FWIW:
Unplugged: Use of Earplugs In Scuba Divers

TL;DR:

An influx of cold water to the vestibular system is a setup for vertigo, nausea and even vomiting - this is duplicated every day in vestibular testing procedures used to test patients for balance disturbances. Cold water stimulation of the inner ear (cold calorics) through the ear canal is also reproducible in normal, healthy people and often renders them unable to stand or balance for a period of minutes. Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects of this testing. A similar situation at depth is possible if a fouled earplug were removed and allowed for an abrupt influx of cold water into a warm ear canal. The resultant effects of nausea, vomiting and vertigo could be deadly.

An archived but interesting thread on the subject:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/as...7120-docs-proplugs-do-any-you-divers-use.html

Related, the ProEar 2000 is a mask that covers your ears:
Swimming Ear Protection Diving Masks ProEar 2000
Reviews:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/fins-masks-and-snorkels/2834-pro-ear-mask-review.html

 

[DeputyDan]

I have used them for at least 10 years and highly recommend.

 

[markmud]

Hi OP,

I have used them for years. I believe NateS' post has the answer. Even in tropical water, your inner ear stays warm. And when a plug is accidently pulled out while underwater in tropical water, you can feel a rush of, what feels like, cold water entering your ear canal. It is pronounced.

The earplugs are great, but the tactic that helps me the most is blowing my nose every ten feet on ascent. The only time that I have clear sinuses is when I SCUBA dive and blow my nose, literally, every ten feet on ascent. Snot is my problem.

Before the first dive, I get into a shower and suck a little water into my nostrils to try and clean out some of the snot. Then I do the nose blowing thing on my first ascent.

After that, I clear with ease on subsequent dives, have no vertigo, and can breath through my nostrils during the surface intervals.

Whatever floats your boat!!!!

markm

 

[TMHeimer]

In reviewing the the old threads cited and DAN stuff, it seems the problems one may have would be equalization if one of the "pin holes" got clogged, or if one plug came out the water rushing in may cause vertigo, nausea and vomiting. I've never had a pin hole get clogged, but if all of a sudden I couldn't equalize I may now know why. If someone had any of those other problems when one popped out I guess the plugs may not be suitable. I have had one come out and had none of these problems, but I haven't been nauseous in maybe 30 years--everyone's different. One person mentioned the plugs are effective in preventing bacterial infection ("swimmer's ear" I suppose). I can attest to that as I am prone to getting that.