Ear pressure equalization: flying vs diving

[k374]

I'm scheduled to take my first classes in a couple of weeks and I'm just wondering about ear pressure issues. I usually have severe ear pain in my left ear while taking off in an airplane, if I don't use earplugs the pain gets to the point of being excruciating. For this reason I am a bit nervous as to what to expect when diving. Are the pressure changes more dramatic than in an airplane?

An interesting thing is that I don't have any issues at all when the plane descends, I usually don't even wear my earplugs. The problem is only during take off. Does this even make any sense?

Would appreciate it if someone could contrast the difference between flying and diving. Thanks!

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

I'm scheduled to take my first classes in a couple of weeks and I'm just wondering about ear pressure issues. I usually have severe ear pain in my left ear while taking off in an airplane, if I don't use earplugs the pain gets to the point of being excruciating. For this reason I am a bit nervous as to what to expect when diving. Are the pressure changes more dramatic than in an airplane?

An interesting thing is that I don't have any issues at all when the plane descends, I usually don't even wear my earplugs. The problem is only during take off. Does this even make any sense?
Would appreciate it if someone could
contrast the difference between flying and diving. Thanks!

First... Welcome to ScubaBoard!

I'm sorry that I won't give you scientific information or contrast the differences... I will only give you my experiences and leave the rest to the experts who will most likely follow

I am a diver and a pilot. I find clearing for a dive easier than clearing for flight... I am a private pilot... which means the smaller planes (not commercial). when diving, I have no issue clearing my ear passages. When flying, I often have to plug my nose in order to clear the pressure. In both cases, it is a minor issue for me...

 

[KCIREVAM]

If U have a bad sinus condition it might B an issue. Or if U R diving in cold water it also might have an effect on equalizing pressure.

 

[ligersandtions]

Welcome to ScubaBoard!

That's a little strange that you have issues when you're ascending (reducing the pressure), but have no issues when you're descending (increasing the pressure). Unfortunately, I don't really have much issue I can give you other than that you'll probably need to listen carefully to your body and your ears on your ascent when you're diving, more so than your descent. The nice thing about diving is that you get to control your pace, whereas in an airplane, you have no control over that. If you feel pressure or pain in your ears on your ascent (or descent) move back to a depth where it doesn't hurt anymore and then ascend (or descend) slowly.

You'll learn tricks to deal with your ears. I've always had ear issues as well....though mine were opposite of yours (descending put me into excruciating pain). I've learned to deal with mine, and you'll learn to deal with yours as well

Talk with your instructor before your pool session (preferably before you even start the class) and let him/her know your situation and what's making your apprehensive. They will likely be able to give you some advice and work with you until you figure out how to make it all work! Good luck and welcome to the world of diving!

 

[b1gcountry]

First off, yes, the pressure differential will be much greater than that you experience when you are flying in a plane.

If you take your earplugs out in the middle of a flight, do your ears still hurt? If they do, then your ears are not equalizing at all, and may want to talk with a doctor.

If they don't hurt after a while at altitude, that means your ears became equalized with the cabin pressure, and there is no longer any 'squeeze' on your eardrum. You change altitude much faster when taking off than when descending, so it makes sense if you have pain on takeoff only.

Ear equalization is one of the things your OW instructor should teach you how to do. I assist with classes as a DM. Many students have issues clearing their ears to begin with, but all so far have been able to learn how to properly equalize their ears. Just realize that: 1. It's normal, and not something to hide or feel bad about, and 2. No one can tell if you're having ear issues, and you need to communicate the problem immediately.

Tom

 

[knotical]

You might want to first do a "try Scuba" or "Discover Scuba" experience. Most dive operations offer them very inexpensively or even free. Alert the instructor to your concern, and you should be able to get a leg up on the class. If you are one of the small minority who have a significant equalization issue, you will learn that sooner, and can then get examined by an ear/nose/throat doctor.

 

[Riger]

Go see a doctor before you go dive.

Regards
Richard

 

[TSandM]

First off, I would highly recommend watching THIS video before you dive. It will explain a great deal about ear anatomy and the function of equalization.

Second, practice equalizing on land, before you go diving.

Third, be EXTREMELY proactive about equalizing when you go underwater. If you have any difficulties with Eustachian tube anatomy, the greater the pressure differential, the more difficult you are going to find it to be to clear. Some people begin pressurizing their middle ear before their head even goes underwater, and I know Walter clears continuously on descent.

I do believe the answer is yes, that if you have significant difficulties in airplanes, you are likely to have more trouble than average when diving. But whether you can manage or not is something you'll only learn by trying.

 

[RonFrank]

If you have issues when ascending in a plane, that is called reverse block. Your ears should clear automatically, and they are not. Dives have to equalize when descending, when ascending this should not be necessary as it is automatic.

You could have wax buildup. I would suggest seeing an ENT, preferably one that dives as they understand issues with diving. TSandM provided some excellent advice, and stole my thunder!

For pool work the pressure is not usually dangerous at the 8~12' depth, but will be uncomfortable if you can not properly clear. In open water, you MUST be able to clear, or you are really going to damage your ears once you get below 12'. I also recommend clearing at the surface, if you can not do so, it will not become easier when descending.

I almost called a dive on my last trip, I could not clear my right ear at all. I was standing back on the ledge ready to leave the site when my ear popped, and cleared on it's own. I was then able to do the dive, but for me to cancel a night dive with great vis is just not something I have ever done. But I was willing to do so, and that is how important clearing is. It is a reason to cancel any dive as one can do permanent damage, and then diving may never be an option.

Most divers have ear problems now and again, and it is the #1 injury in diving, so don't take this too lightly.. see an ENT.

When you start to dive, there are many important skills, but the one that can really screw you up if you don't do it on EVERY dive is.. Clear Early, Clear often.

 

[elan]

I'm scheduled to take my first classes in a couple of weeks and I'm just wondering about ear pressure issues. I usually have severe ear pain in my left ear while taking off in an airplane, if I don't use earplugs the pain gets to the point of being excruciating. For this reason I am a bit nervous as to what to expect when diving. Are the pressure changes more dramatic than in an airplane?

An interesting thing is that I don't have any issues at all when the plane descends, I usually don't even wear my earplugs. The problem is only during take off. Does this even make any sense?

Would appreciate it if someone could contrast the difference between flying and diving. Thanks!

I believe in the modern pressurized airplanes the pressure on the top is twice as little as it is on the surface. And in diving the range is much more. I had problems with my sinuses as well, - I could not equalize when the plane was landing and I had severe pain in my forehead. The ears were fine though. Until I have treated my problems I had problems in scuba s well.

The reverse block you have is actually worse than if you had the other way around as in case of emergency ascent the air cannot escape and I believe you can have problems with your ears. It's better to visit a doctor.