Good news/Bad news

[gert7to3]

Check out the post just below yours in this forum.
There is a lecture on equalizing ears, posted by TSandM (en ER doc in Washington). It covers anatomy and a half dozen techniques for equalization.

http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.aspx?rID=2272

I also happen to use a Pro-Ear Mask. I have had a tympanoplasty (reconstructed eardrum). Dealing with air pressure is a lot less strain than water on a delicate ear. The mask works. It is much more pleasant to be blowing warm air past your ears rather than filling them with cold water.

 

[BigDaddyEd]

Next time you have intense pain/discomfort and don't know what is going on - or just have a gut feeling your dive is over - obey your gut, unless you can get advice from an authority you really really trust. Even then - obey your gut and be conservative. Always better to miss a couple of dives versus taking a long break - or having to quit altogether. Good luck with your ear.

Good advice. That's what I wish I had done.

 

[BigDaddyEd]

Thanks for the post. I had seen this video and thought I had a pretty good handle on equalizing. I guess it's like piikki said, 'you can't know what you don't know'. Well I know more now and when I get to the point when I can give it another go, I'll put much more emphasis on pressurizing all the way down and never pressurizing on the way up. And I think I'll give that pro-ear mask a look.