Ear equalization

[Mike126]

This weekend I did a refresher course after being out of the sport for 15 years or so. I was concerned that I would not be able to equalize very well since my right ear has had issues in the past. The refresher was all in the pool, 8' deep. As I descended I equalized and things at first were a little clogged on the right side. After a couple of tries I was able to equalize. Through out my time in the pool things felt ok but not perfect.

After the refresher was over my right ear felt fine. But, my left ear started to feel a little achy. When I got home I took a Sudafed and some Advil. Through the night my left ear kept aching but not bad. By morning it started to feel a little better so I took another Sudafed and some Tylenol.

Through out the day things are getting better. Tomorrow I might contact my Dr. to get him to look at things. I'm also going to see if I can find and ENT (through DAN) that is a diver to make sure I'm ok to dive.

Do others equalize outside of diving to practice? Any other remedies besides Sudafed etc?

Next time I was going to take a Sudafed before the dive to see if that helps.

Thanks, Mike

 

[pipedope]

Go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html
and watch the streaming video,
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"

It will help a lot with understanding what is going on and how to make life easier for you and your ears.

Welcome back.

 

[Mike126]

Pipedope - I watched the video a couple of weeks ago. I need to watch it again. I was mostly curious about why all of a sudden my good ear would feel pain after the dive when it was fine during the dive. Maybe I over equalized.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Walter]

Some tips.

 

[Mike126]

Thanks Walter...