Ear Problems

[ScubaJana]

First of all I would like to say hello. I am new to scuba with only 7 logged dives. Every time I dive I have had a hard time equallizing my right ear. During my open water course I had to postpone my open water dives because I irritated my ear trying to learn to equalize. When my ear healed I did my open water dives. I was able to equalize, but it took me a long time and my ear was irritated. After sitting out the winter I went diving this weekend. Once again I had a difficult time equalizing. And once again my ear is irritated and it feels like I have air trapped inside. I have not had any trouble with my left ear. It equalizes without any problems. Does anybody have any suggestions that would help with my right ear problem? Thanks for your help.

 

[MechDiver]

I have the same problem with my left ear, it just equalizes slowly. I have found that holding my nose and swallowing, as opposed to blowing against my nose, helps. If you have not yet seen an ENT doctor, I would recommend you do so prior to trying some of the over the counter drugs available.

Some of us just have to go slow. Sucks, but not much choice sometimes.

Welcome to diving and to the board.

MD

 

[victoriawtx]

with one ear over the other. On one of my dives, I had to descend very slowly, because the ear was giving me so much trouble. I think this is pretty common. If you can, just take it slow. And, like MD suggested, you might want to talk to an ENT to see if there might be something that could be corrected before using decongestants. Good luck!!

 

[scubadudee]

I suggest you visit a doctor to "clean" or the pharmacy for ear drops that sooths and "clean" or "irrigate" your ears. Reason is that the tunnels leading from your nose to the ears have also dried up after so long. ( forgive me if I do give the wrong advice; sorry doc)

I had this experience when I just go back to the tropics after two years in the UK. Not until sometime then will I be able to equalize my ears with ease.

I hope it does work for you ..... unlike me having to learn the hard way

Cheers