Ear Trouble

[nurse shark]

Hi

I wonder if any more experienced people might have some suggestions to deal with ear-equalization problems? I don't know if its only because I am not used to it; but it takes me forever just to get down to thirty or forty feet. I get water in my ears and its uncomfortable.

thanks
nurse shark

 

[H2Andy]

hi nurse shark... moved this question here to get you the
best responses

 

[DandyDon]

Probably our most common question from newbies. Andy, I would have suggested this under New To Scuba...?

Anyway, click the Search button at top of page, then search for Equalizing, and you'll find extensive answers.

But if you don't want water in your ears, your dive shop should have special plugs that are safe to use diving. Not many are, but your shop should have the right ones...

 

[pipedope]

Go to;
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/index.html
and watch the streaming video lecture.
"The Diver's Ear - Under Pressure"


It is far and away the best presentation on ears and diving on the web today.

 

[H2Andy]

Probably our most common question from newbies. Andy, I would have suggested this under New To Scuba...?

ok, dont' nobody get dizzy now

 

[mempilot]

Keep dem ears clean of wax. I build up an unusual amount of wax, and if I don't keep it under control, it wreaks havoc on equalization.

 

[String]

Hood too tight or isnt than an issue with the temperatures you dive in ?

 

[pipedope]

Is a problem I live with.

I usually suggest that people get checked by a good Dr the first time and get good instructions on ear cleaning so they don't hurt themselves.

I did all that a LONG time ago and now I clean the excess wax out regularly and especially before diving.

Remember, the wax is there for a reason.
Too little wax is a problem.
Too much wax is a problem.
Some wax is a good thing.

In the video you will see some examples of good wax.
You DID watch the video, didn't you?

 

[crispos]

Nurse Shark, check out this poll....you are not alone.

http://www.scubaboard.com/t53727.html

 

[mempilot]

Is a problem I live with.

I usually suggest that people get checked by a good Dr the first time and get good instructions on ear cleaning so they don't hurt themselves.

I did all that a LONG time ago and now I clean the excess wax out regularly and especially before diving.

Remember, the wax is there for a reason.
Too little wax is a problem.
Too much wax is a problem.
Some wax is a good thing.

In the video you will see some examples of good wax.
You DID watch the video, didn't you?

I had a hard ball of wax shoot into the drum and rupture it at 100' in Cayman last year. Vertigo city. I learned my lesson about keeping em clean too!