Ear question for you docs...

[Axewizard]

I know you get bombarded with questions about equalizing, but I was curious about this one....is it harmful to the ears to practice equalizing periodically throughout the day when you aren't in the water? :06:

Axe

 

[pipedope]

It is good to practice as long as you don't overdo the pressure and cause pain.

You might want to go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/

and watch the streaming video,
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"

Lots of information and lots of pictures and live video of things going on so you can learn a lot in a short time.

 

[divetahoe]

It is good to practice as long as you don't overdo the pressure and cause pain.

You might want to go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/

and watch the streaming video,
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"

Lots of information and lots of pictures and live video of things going on so you can learn a lot in a short time.

I equalizeevery morning while driving down a hill to work (500 ft elev change), and do it periodically at work. Like voting, equalize early and often!

 

[jonnythan]

My ears clear almost constantly without me thinking about it. I almost never have to pinch my nose when diving to equalize.. I can do it without moving a muscle. It's a neat ability and I hope to god it's not hurting me

 

[Axewizard]

thanx! I'm getting sick and tired of being sick and tired of eq problems...ugh!!!

Of course, smoking and nasty sinusitis doens't help at all!!!!

 

[pipedope]

When I first started diving I had a hard time equalizing. With learning and practice now it is easy.
When I am diving a full face mask or dry helmet I don't even need to block my nose, which is handy as it lets me use both hands for working.

With a sport reg and mask I need to block my nose but only for a moment.

Giving up smoking helps, it made a difference to me and I have had less other breathing and sinus problems since I stopped smoking.