Ear equalization problems
- Thread starter robby13
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Usually both ears should pop simultaneously or almost simultaneously. If one ear does not clear, then something is going on, a cold, sinus problem and so on. You could try to take a sudafed and see what happen. If it does not help, it is probably a good idea to see a doctor.
To robby13,
I have the same problem as you. My first open dive is 40 ft.
I can equalize the right but not the left. I did not feel serious pain so I did not abort and I did 5 dives in 2 days. I got tinnitus on left after this for 2 weeks. My Doc said my left ear is stupid or may be different from my right structure.
Just learn from a buddy from this web. Valsalva + swallow.
It works for me now sitting in front of computer. Try it, this may work for you too.
blackeye
Is at;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html
Watch the streaming video;
Streaming Video Lecture
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"
Scuba diving and snorkeling can be fun ways to explore the depths - especially if you can clear your ears as the pressure changes. In this video lecture Dr. Edmond Kay discusses techniques for preventing middle ear barotrauma. Learn what to do to equalize pressure in your ears, teach others proper techniques and learn the safest way to prevent "ear squeeze". This talk was recorded live in September, 2000 and is now available for Internet viewing over the University's video portal .
This is far and away the best ear info source on the web.
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html
Watch the streaming video;
Streaming Video Lecture
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"
Scuba diving and snorkeling can be fun ways to explore the depths - especially if you can clear your ears as the pressure changes. In this video lecture Dr. Edmond Kay discusses techniques for preventing middle ear barotrauma. Learn what to do to equalize pressure in your ears, teach others proper techniques and learn the safest way to prevent "ear squeeze". This talk was recorded live in September, 2000 and is now available for Internet viewing over the University's video portal .
This is far and away the best ear info source on the web.
RObby
Call your local dive shops and get some numbers for ENT (Ear nose throat specialists) that are familiar, recommended by, deal with divers(ing). Go see them if you can.
They can examine you and confirm that there are no physiological reasons for not being able to equalize.
They can also watch in your sinuses and ears while you attempt to in their office and let you know if you are/aren't doing it right as well as obviously help you get it right FOR YOU if at all possible.
Every person is different and what works for one perosn won't work for another.
Good luck and don't give up. Very few people are physiologically unable to equalize their ears. Hopefully this is the case for you too as it likely will be.
Call your local dive shops and get some numbers for ENT (Ear nose throat specialists) that are familiar, recommended by, deal with divers(ing). Go see them if you can.
They can examine you and confirm that there are no physiological reasons for not being able to equalize.
They can also watch in your sinuses and ears while you attempt to in their office and let you know if you are/aren't doing it right as well as obviously help you get it right FOR YOU if at all possible.
Every person is different and what works for one perosn won't work for another.
Good luck and don't give up. Very few people are physiologically unable to equalize their ears. Hopefully this is the case for you too as it likely will be.
erubic
Guest
I understand completely!! The thing I don't like is being worried about taking to long to decend or not being able to decend and the others are waiting for me. A nice trick that a friend told me is, when you start going down equalize like always. If you get to a point where it hurts go up a little and try again- like always. If you can't get your ears equalized and the rest of the group is already down signal to your buddy and or DM that you are having trouble with your ear. Than signal for them to continue on, while you remain at your current depth swimming above them gradually trying to go down little by little. This always seems to work for me!
I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS!! This only what I do. There are several factors that one would need to consider also. First of all you need to let you buddy and DM know what you might do before the dive!! Also I believe you only could do this on realitivly shallow dives. It would also depend on visabilty- you need to be able to see your buddy and or the group easily.
Eric
I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS!! This only what I do. There are several factors that one would need to consider also. First of all you need to let you buddy and DM know what you might do before the dive!! Also I believe you only could do this on realitivly shallow dives. It would also depend on visabilty- you need to be able to see your buddy and or the group easily.
Eric
Hi , dont worry to much about this. yes ear squeeze is serious when it happens, but dont get yourself stressed out worring about if/when it happens as that will only make it worse and your not going to enjoy your dive then.
This happens to us all, but the most important thing to consider is YOU. If your ears start to hurt, DONT keep going down. Ascend a few feet and try again. If it doesnt work ascend more and keep trying, but dont push yourself to keep up with other people on your dive, remember your health is more important to you and other divers around you. You probably have a cold, as simple as that.
It is awful to have a cold when your wanting to dive (i had to cancel last week as i had flu, but i like my ears so didnt dive as i knew i wouldnt be able to equalise) but grin and bear it, and if you think your in for a cold, arrange a dive for another day. Get some sudofed down you and im sure in a few days you will be fine.
Rob UK
ut:
This happens to us all, but the most important thing to consider is YOU. If your ears start to hurt, DONT keep going down. Ascend a few feet and try again. If it doesnt work ascend more and keep trying, but dont push yourself to keep up with other people on your dive, remember your health is more important to you and other divers around you. You probably have a cold, as simple as that.
It is awful to have a cold when your wanting to dive (i had to cancel last week as i had flu, but i like my ears so didnt dive as i knew i wouldnt be able to equalise) but grin and bear it, and if you think your in for a cold, arrange a dive for another day. Get some sudofed down you and im sure in a few days you will be fine.
Rob UK
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