ear plugs for diving

[wman1966]

I was wondering if there is any ear plugs for divers and if they are any good? I heard that they make equalizing easier. Anybody have any advise on this?

 

[scubabitz]

It is important to be able to equalize the air space in your inner ear when diving, so earplugs should not be used.
Note: Commercial divers usually wear hoods to minimize the dirty water in their contact with ears and reduce ear infections.
There is also a products called Docs Ear Plugs, which are available with vents for divers. (These are available at Lauderdale Diver in Fort Lauderdale. Ph:954 467 2822)

 

[Damselfish]

more accurately, unvented/solid earplugs should not be used. The plugs you've probably heard about can be bought lots of places. Here's a few of the many previous threads discussing this-
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/291789-docs-pro-ear-plugs.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/research-development/202209-ear-protection.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/253735-need-help-ear-problems.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/263924-ear-infections-after-diving.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/217364-water-ears.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/225331-diving-ear-plugs.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...ro-earplugs-does-any-know-anything-these.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/dan-divers-alert-network/204981-cant-get-water-ears.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/105629-lets-talk-ear-plugs-diving.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/140242-thinkin-getting-docs-proplugs.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/74625-soft-earplugs.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/82706-proplugs.html
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/new-england-lobsta-divahs/69291-why-would-you-get-ear-plugs.html

 

[Kingpatzer]

I started out using Doc's ear plugs, for the same reason - I had trouble equalizing. I found that they did not make equalizing easier once I learned how to equalize properly.

The video on this page Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page really helped me, and eventually moved me away from the plugs.

 

[Bound]

I have used Doc's pro plugs for a year and love them. Get fitted for them at your LDS.

 

[DeputyDan]

I have used Doc's pro plugs for a year and love them. Get fitted for them at your LDS.

I also love Doc's and wear them but for a different reason.
My ears do not drain very well and sleeping in A/C with ears full of water can create sinus and other issues. With the ear plugs I have no problem in this regard.

 

[TMHeimer]

Docs plugs don't prevent all water from entering the ear-but enough that the water won't go too deep in there. I don't use them when using my hood, as I find the hood does about the same job and the plugs under the hood tend to get jarred around and come loose. When not using the hood I wrap the connecting line (that connects the 2 plugs) around my mask strap in case one comes out (unlikely). It is easy to break the connecting cord at the plug, so one must be careful and carry a spare set.

 

[k374]

they help in equalizing because the water pressure change as you descend is not as rapid. It makes sense as the water is not directly on your eardrum. According to the literature water does not enter the vent until after 20ft. I'm not sure how this works but they claim to have a "Scotts valve" although I did not notice any kind of valve in the plug.

I have equalization problems without the plugs but can equalize easily with the plugs on so at least for me it works very well!