Ear Pain Question

[diver0008]

Proper (gentle) equalization is a learned skill. I had some dive week vacations turn into beach holidays half-way through due to pain and problems with equalizing. More than once during my early dive days, I was motivated to push through the pressure and pain to get on with the enjoyment that awaited by trying to equalize with great force. Those were rookie mistakes. I eventually figured out what building pressure felt like, and when to slow an descent, or make a temporary ascent. Also slowing ascents and concentrating on relaxing my head helped get rid of the reverse blocks that had once affected me. Now I hardly even need to pinch my nose for free and easy equalization. I believe also that my body has become accustomed to the expansion and contraction of the ear canals and sinus cavities. Pre-exisiitng sinus conditions or non-optimal ear health or swelling can make the process often difficult or impossible, but losing a dive or a few days of diving is better than chronic ear problems.

Go slow, take it easy, and if it hurts, stop.

 

[Neilwood]

Proper (gentle) equalization is a learned skill. I had some dive week vacations turn into beach holidays half-way through due to pain and problems with equalizing. More than once during my early dive days, I was motivated to push through the pressure and pain to get on with the enjoyment that awaited by trying to equalize with great force. Those were rookie mistakes. I eventually figured out what building pressure felt like, and when to slow an descent, or make a temporary ascent. Also slowing ascents and concentrating on relaxing my head helped get rid of the reverse blocks that had once affected me. Now I hardly even need to pinch my nose for free and easy equalization. I believe also that my body has become accustomed to the expansion and contraction of the ear canals and sinus cavities. Pre-exisiitng sinus conditions or non-optimal ear health or swelling can make the process often difficult or impossible, but losing a dive or a few days of diving is better than chronic ear problems.

Go slow, take it easy, and if it hurts, stop.

Not sure if it has been proven medically but it definitely seems to be a thing among divers (in particular instructors & DM's who are diving frequently) that the body does adapt over time to lessen the need for equalisation.

Well worth emphasising your point about slowing ascents and descents - that can make a big difference as well

 

[fmerkel]

that the body does adapt over time to lessen the need for equalisation.

I think that's poorly worded and goes against biology and physics. It's more like the body adapts so you can equalize more easily, and YOU adapt so you can stay on top of it better.

It might be worth following the links and doing the reading in post #2 here:
Short Notice Ent Brussels Or Advice On Non Equalizing Ear

 

[Crowley]

Having problems on a plane does not necessarily mean you will have problems underwater, but as NetDoc hinted at earlier - it *may* be symptomatic of a physiological problem with the middle ear. There is a condition called - if I remember correctly - Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, which has a variety of causes, such as simple congestion, but may also be caused by a malformed Eustachian tube - which is the bit of the middle ear that connects to your sinus passages. In this case, the tube itself is too small and therefore more susceptible to problems during pressure changes. If it's not severe, then simple equalisation techniques such as holding your nose and blowing against it, swallowing, or chewing gum (on an airplane, not diving!) should help to relieve it, but if the problem persists, it may be down to a physiological defect.

It's not especially common, but it's not rare either, so it's worth considering. Next time you're in the pool, try duck-diving a few metres and see what happens. Try equalising at the surface by pinching your nose and blowing against it - you should be able to 'pop' your ears. If not then this might be indicative of a problem (but not necessarily). I've encountered this sort of thing a few times and when the diver/student said they also had problems on the airplane.... If it's something that is consistent every time you fly, and equalisation techniques don't work, then it may indeed be worth visiting an ENT for a checkup.

Cheers

C.