Ear problem

[sharkbitejeff]

I just was certified as advanced dep water. Everytime that we dive at this one lake in around 40' my left ear has major problems clearing alot of pain. 2 weeks earlier we we were in lake michigan in about 65' of water with absolutely no prob.any ideas? do they make a mask that would cover the ear for clearing problems? any ideas welcome.

 

[gert7to3]

You have two options for ear coverage. First and cheapest are Doc's Pro Plugs. These are perforated earplugs which greatly limit water intrusion into your oute ear canal. Available at your LDS:

Doc's Proplugs: The Doctor's Choice for Ear Protection

Next is the Pro Ear mask. It has earcups over your ears which you can keep dry and equalized with tubes connecting from your face mask. They can flood if displaced, but work as advertised.

Swimming Ear Protection Diving Masks ProEar 2000

Do you think your issues are caused by cold water contacting your ears?

Finally, what did you dive in Lake Michigan?

 

[DandyDon]

Best ways I know to prevent ear problems in most are...

1. Equalize early & often: see vid linked in my Sig below to learn what you maybe didn't know, possibly aren't doing right;
   
2. Treat early & often: I think the Navy used 50-50 alcohol-vinegar, 5 minutes in each ear lying on each side; I think DocV suggests 33-33-33 alcohol-vinegar-sterile water; some of us keep the mixes in our masks boxes and treat after every dive & shower; some add lanolin to reduce stinging; some use an electric ear dryer;
   
3. And for a portion of us - Meds early & often: Pseudophendrine isn't for everyone and may not be needed, but it is for some of us. See your physician.

Good luck

 

[headsqueeze]

You should get the ear checked - something new since your LM dive?

 

[shark_tamer]

It could be as simple as equalizing more often. No need yet to buy ear plugs before trying this.

Equalize very often, specialy right after breaking the surface. Equalize every meter for the first 10 meters.

DON'T WAIT 'TILL YOU FEEL THE NEED TO EQUALIZE !!​

Descent very slowly ... it doesn't really matter if you're the last one reaching the bottom !!!

Remember you open water course ? 2 atm from 0-10 meters. 3 atm from 10-20 metres, 4 atm from 20-30 meters.

From 0 to 10 meters, you go from 1 to 2 atm ... you double the pressure
From 10 to 20 meters, you go from 2 to 3 atm ...+ 1/2
From 20 to 30 meters, 3 to 4 atm ... + 1/3

This is why either descending or ascending, the " critical " depth is 0 to 10 meters

Remember ... Descend slowly, specially the first 10 meters, and equalize very often.

This should solve your problem. If not, consult your physician !!!!

Hoping this will help

 

[sharkbitejeff]

wreck dives in around 75'

 

[DandyDon]

wreck dives in around 75'

 

[doctormike]

It seems that there are two threads by the same OP with the same question. Here is my response on the other thread:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/251683-problem-clearing-ear.html


Vented ProPlugs can protect the ear canal from problems related to cold water exposure (cold caloric response), but are not designed to help with equalization.

The ProEar Mask company claims that their mask will help with equalization (although they note on their site that they are not sure how this works), and many people swear by it. Remember, though, that the ONLY way to equalize your ears at depth is by moving air up and down your own Eustachian tube (ET). The mask may help by slowing the rate of change of ambient pressure in the ear canal, but the bottom line is that if your ET isn't working at all, you won't be able to dive more than a few feet before running into trouble...

Mike

 

[DPP Santa Cruz]

Hello;

After you finish trying the recommendations in this thread, you should get in contact with us so we can talk more about the Proplugs.

"Vented ProPlugs can protect the ear canal from problems related to cold water exposure (cold caloric response), but are not designed to help with equalization."
-dm

This is very much true. In fact they were created for surfers several decades ago. Exposure to the 50 degree water and 40 degree air of winter was what made ears susceptible to "surfers' ear" or exostosis in the central coast of California.
Somehow, somewhere, a few divers started using these. Little by little, through word of mouth more divers picked up a pair. Now after constantly talking to divers and sponsoring pro-divers, we have a worldwide following.
We could not ignore the enormous receptivity of the VENTED Doc's Proplugs among the diving crowd. We also could not deny thousands of divers saying the same thing. Which is why you see us at the Longbeach Scuba show and at DEMA.

Cheers;

Doc's

800 521 2982