Ear equalizing but doesn't feel right

[mikemill]

So once in a while and usually on a repeat dive I've noticed that my right ear is equalized but it doesn't feel right. No pain, no pressure, just doesn't feel open like my left ear does. Try the various methods (jaw wiggle, nose pinch, ascend a few feet, descend a few feet) and it doesn't change.

Is this something I should be worried about (currently I'm not worried just kinda weirded out)?

 

[doctormike]

So once in a while and usually on a repeat dive I've noticed that my right ear is equalized but it doesn't feel right. No pain, no pressure, just doesn't feel open like my left ear does. Try the various methods (jaw wiggle, nose pinch, ascend a few feet, descend a few feet) and it doesn't change.

Is this something I should be worried about (currently I'm not worried just kinda weirded out)?

Hey, Mikemill, thanks for writing...!

Hard to say what could be going on without an examination and a hearing test... does this persist after the dive? Any dizziness?

Best thing to do is to see an ENT doc for an ear exam and an audiogram (hearing evaluation). I assume that you have seen this video...

Happy New Year!

Mike

 

[mikemill]

Hard to say what could be going on without an examination and a hearing test...

Figured Was looking to see if anyone had heard of it before.

does this persist after the dive?

Yes and no. I've noticed it from time to time on dry land even when I haven't been diving in a few days or more.

Any dizziness?

Nope.

Best thing to do is to see an ENT doc for an ear exam and an audiogram (hearing evaluation).

Kinda figured. Guess it is time to finally go and meet my Primary Care Physician.

I assume that you have seen this video...

Not yet but I'll watch it.

Thanks

 

[Gombessa]

Interesting question Mike. I think I have the same thing happen, but it never crossed my mind as a problem. During a dive (and only during the dive), I can often hear better out of one ear than the other, randomly, after equalizing. I just assume one of my ear canals is a bit narrower or more "waterlogged" than the other and that leads to the difference.

 

[Peacie]

... I assume that you have seen *** this video[/URL]...

Thanks for the video link. Very informative!
I suffered through ear tubes twice as a child (because of recurring ear infections) but never gave it much thought in my adult life. I continue to have problems equalizing on one side, but never made the connection before watching this. I'm anxious to get back in the water to try some of Dr. Kay's suggestions!

Again, thank you- you may very well have provided me with the means to enjoy diving even more.

 

[doctormike]

Thanks for the video link. Very informative!
I suffered through ear tubes twice as a child (because of recurring ear infections) but never gave it much thought in my adult life. I continue to have problems equalizing on one side, but never made the connection before watching this. I'm anxious to get back in the water to try some of Dr. Kay's suggestions!

Again, thank you- you may very well have provided me with the means to enjoy diving even more.

Great, glad that you find it useful..! Hope that you will be able to equalize...