earplugs yes or no???

[philfoofighter]

anyone have any advise recently took padi exams open water dry suit emergenct response etc had problems on final dive equalising came away with bad ear pain after couple of days went to gp. he advised i had burst my ear drum , had become infected and recommended vented ear plugs in future, anyone tried these as dan advise very mixed and no clear answer as to whether they are adviseable

 

[tbone1004]

Hrrm, no?
unless he's a specific dive doc, then take that as a grain of salt. Even vented, you may have problems equalizing the space in the outer ear canal. Not sure how it would prevent an infection... We use "ear beer" or "ear salad" or any other names you have. It's basically a mix of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, and it cleans your ears out pretty well.

 

[muddiver]

It is not uncommon to have trouble equilizing during repetitive decentsand ascents. The ears canals become inflamed with too much pressure squeeze and clearing. Wait a good long time before going back in the water, have a ENT or your regular doctor give you an "All clear" first and then dive carfully. Leave long periods between dives to rest your ears and make slow decents and ascents.

Doc's pro plugs are ment to keep the cold water out of the outer ear so the ear drum is not as affected by direct water contact. That does not remove the pressure differential as you descend and you will still have to equilize the inner ear.

You may also have been too forceful with your ear clearing. If you start clearing, gentely, as you leave surface it will be easier to keep up with the pressure change. If you feel pain or fullnes in the ears on descent than you are behind, you need to stop, go up a foot or two and clear before resuming the descent.