Ear pain

[ADP]

I have been diving for the past couple of years, and I have always had a problem with ear pain. Today I dove for the first time this year, the water was warm but as I got down to about 20 feet the pain gets almost unbearable. I equalize my ears as I decend and I always decend very slow to allow my ears to adjust. I know that you can over equalize so I'm very careful not to. I usually dive in warmer water as my ears seem to adapt better to it.
My question is how do I make this ear pain stop? I really love diving and would hate to give it up because of the pain but is there anything else that I can do?

 

[DandyDon]

Sorry to hear you're having ear problems. Mine have never stopped me, but many have had worse. This is probably the most common subject on New To Scuba.

I'd suggest going to that forum, then click Search for that forum for EAR, and browse the first dozen or two threads on it. You'll find all sorts of info, i.e. from consult a Diving ENt before you hurt yourself, to take Sudafed an hour before diving, to links to more...

Good luck!

 

[eponym]

That's sad to hear, ADP.

I recently took the DAN online seminar on ears and I really liked it. In addition to the descriptions of symptoms and clearing techniques, my new understanding of the physiology gives me great confidence that I'm doing it right.

One thing I'm doing differently now is clearing before putting my head under water, and clearing on every breath while descending the first thirty feet.

If you're a DAN member, I highly recommend the course (it costs $25 and you do it online at your convenience).

.

 

[YakSpout]

I had some major discomfort the first time I dove in open water so before my next trip out, I read this thread. Watch the video that it links to for some great alternative equalization techniques.

Good luck!

 

[ekarais]

Have you gone to a doctor? It's a reality that some people can not perform normal equalization due to his own physiology. You may need a clinical interference. Don't force your ears. This may result bigger problems which hinder you diving forever.

 

[paolov]

first try to learn more on equalizing techniques. and go see a diving doctor to check out your ears.


paolov

I have been diving for the past couple of years, and I have always had a problem with ear pain. Today I dove for the first time this year, the water was warm but as I got down to about 20 feet the pain gets almost unbearable. I equalize my ears as I decend and I always decend very slow to allow my ears to adjust. I know that you can over equalize so I'm very careful not to. I usually dive in warmer water as my ears seem to adapt better to it.
My question is how do I make this ear pain stop? I really love diving and would hate to give it up because of the pain but is there anything else that I can do?

 

[eab]

I have been diving for the past couple of years, and I have always had a problem with ear pain. Today I dove for the first time this year, the water was warm but as I got down to about 20 feet the pain gets almost unbearable.

We had a student in the last class who was having tons of problems getting to the bottom in a 12 foot pool. She tried Afrin, DayQuil, and every equalization technique we threw at her. Nothing worked. Finally I suggested she call DAN, get the name of a local ear-nose-throat doctor, and see what he/she had to say.

Well, apparently she has underdeveloped eustacian tubes, and will never be able to get past 20 feet. He recommended she not continue the course, diving, etc., as she may permanently damage her ears. I'm not certain if there were any surgical options mentioned. You could have the same problem. I suggest a thorough exam to determine what's going on.

Best of luck!

 

[ADP]

Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it.