Help with equalizing!

[pinkydinky]

Hey im getting certified for diving and on land i can easily pop my ears but when i start a slow descent i can only pop my left ear and thats it!!! im very frustated with this and need to fix this problem before my open water dives! I went to my doc and he said take claritin and nasonex but it still really isnt helping that much! Thanks maybe someone has had the same problem and knows how to fix this?

 

[300bar]

You might try,reasing the right ear-stretching the neckmuscle.
It works for me when one ear doesn't want to get inline with my opinion.

 

[pinkydinky]

thanks ill try that any other suggestions??

 

[k ellis]

well Tilt your head towards the left and this should help some.

 

[mikeyjoe]

Wiggle your jaw back and forth.
Equalize early and often - like even before you descend, and then every breath after that.
Practise the feeling you have when you try to hold back a yawn above water - lips closed and flexing your neck muscles - then do that under water.

 

[jmorriss]

You might try,reasing the right ear-stretching the neckmuscle.
It works for me when one ear doesn't want to get inline with my opinion.

Had the same issue on the first checkout dive, DM showed me that, has worked great ever since.

 

[xlow]

I have never had problem with equalizing my ears. Actually before I learned that I freedove to about 18 feet without doing it. What I've heard it's best to tilt your head to the back (that should stretch ear canal), and then try valsalva maneuver (but don't force it - just try easy and steady first). Check out those sites:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_clearing
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valsalva_maneuver
I always "clear" my ears using valsalva and never had any problems at all. But if it's only one ear - just see the doctor that specialize in diving medicine. I am sure he will give you the best solution (and in the same time make sure you don't have any serious ear condition). Good luck and I wish you safe and great dives. :diver:

 

[Louie]

Hi,

I am a slow equaliser (can only envy those who can just go down and they equalise naturally).

Don't stress yourself out. A rushed and pressed effort at equalisation is not good.

At first, equalising and experiencing pressure will feel odd and unnatural. Don't panic if things aren't perfect immediately.

My mantra for equalisation:

Early - I personally find it helpful sometimes if I pinch and blow out through the nose gently just BEFORE starting descent.

Slowly - NO rushed jobs.

Continuously - If you feel the pressure, don't wait until it becomes painful or unbearable. You may have to equalise throughout the dive.

Gently - I've seen many pressure related injuries because of over-enthusiastic equalisation techniques. If you're doing the pinch and blow through the nose, just normal exhalation through the nose should be adequate.

If you continue having woes with equalisation, it may be worth seeing a doctor who specialises in diving medicine - or at least knows a bit about diving.

All the best.

 

[300bar]

You could also take a look here.
Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page

 

[agarback]

Hi- If you are having a lot of difficulty, you might want to check with your doctor. If you have DAN, they can suggest a diving friendly doc.

I had a dive buddy that had trouble equalizing in the pool, and it turned out there were larger issues there. Its better to be safe than sorry.

Just a thought, if you have problem.

Don't be scared tho, she still got to dive!

Happy Diving!