ear clearing question #2

[jaimehhh]

does anyone know any tricks for clearing one ear that will not clear as easily as the other? could this be do to a deviated septum? or do i just need more practice? thank you in advance for your replies.

 

[jham2081]

I usually turn my head so the clogged ear is higher than the other, and try it there. Usually that works for me.

 

[AggieDad]

Well where do I start. Go see a ENT first. I went to a regular dr. for years (not that there is anything wrong with that). I have been a pilot for 35 years and flew as a passenger before that and I always seemed to have a little trouble clearing sometimes and if I had any sinus congestion or even the inkling of a sore thoart I could not clear at all. After blowing one ear drum and suffering permanent hearing loss and tinnuitis I started diving about 18 months ago. I had to take Sudafed all the time to dive. Last December I could not get my right ear to clear on the second dive every day in Cozumel. I recently blocked both ears on a trip (I was 95% deaf in one and about 80% in the other) and have been grounded now for over a month. I went to a ENT recommended by DAN and finally he did a CAT scan and it seems that I had a deviated septum, polyps and a chronic sinus infection. I had surgery for all this week and so far it looks like I am finally able to see relief. Even my eyesight is a little better. I had no idea that I had the infection. Diving is still a few weeks away.
Basically what I am trying to say is that if you have to do something like this, take the time and go see a specialist that is familiar with diving and get really checked out. It might not be that bad a deal and will allow you to really enjoy this sport.
Good Luck

 

[AZ Desert Diver]

I had the same thing going on for about a 3 weeks and found that diving 2 weekends in a row of diving helped out. I was able to clear under water with out any problems and it did get me about 40% more of my hearing back on land, but it was still a BAD MOVE!!! Now, I'm unable to dive for 2 weeks and that really gets me! Go to the ENT, it really should be an easy visit. I had mine this Monday, finally, should have done it sooner, because now after 3 days of meds everything is back to normal.

Call the ENT...

 

[rjpv]

As far as equalizing, wiggling your head around (keeping in mind that air wants to go up and your eustachian tubes point from your ears inwards) helps a lot when I have problems.

 

[Lake Mead Tony]

Even when I have a cold, normally I can drop my jaw as if to be yawning and equalize. If you can't clear, don't push it or you might find yourself in the same boat as Aggiedad.