Left Ear Equalization Problem

[diver3523]

Hello All:

Been reading the posts in this forum concerning the one ear problem - one I've been suffering from as well. For me, its the left that won't equalize. Its interesting though - I don't have not problems at all with the right doing the typical valsalva every 5 ft or so. Its the darn left ear that's so difficult. I've tried a variety of techniques - swallowing while pinching my nose, pitching my head back while swallowing and blowing, etc. When I fly, the same thing occurs (right clears easily, left not so much) unless I YAWN - in this case, every time, without fail, my left ear clears beautifully. Now, beckoning on the wealth of knowledge (both anatomically and physiologically) and experience out there on the subject - what specifically am I doing when I yawn, and keeping in mind the conditions underwater (yawing is a bit more difficult and doesn't happen as often at depth and while descending), how can I simulate whatever it is that happens with yawning while I'm going down??

Thanks!!

 

[matt_unique]

I think equalizing really varies from person to person. My left ear equalizes a little bit harder than my right as well. When I do the Valsalva my right ear equalizes right away and I carefully blow just a *little* bit harder to equalize the left ear. It's really important to do this as carefully and with as little force as possible. I found that in cold water your ears can be tricked a bit too. It may feel like your ears are not equalized when in fact that are a bit over pressurized if you will. It take time and experience to figure it out based on different conditions. Just go easy and stop your change in depth immediately if you have trouble.

--Matt

 

[ScubaFreak]

I think Matt's right,

Some people can often just have a slight problem with one side, I used to, but went and had both ears syringed, man the difference was unbelievable! I could equalise SO easily it was funny!
So it could just be a wax build up!

SF

 

[Tanked Monkey]

I think Matt's right,

Some people can often just have a slight problem with one side, I used to, but went and had both ears syringed, man the difference was unbelievable! I could equalise SO easily it was funny!
So it could just be a wax build up!

SF

Both ears syringed? With a hypodermic needle or that little blue squeeze thing?

Mike

 

[ScubaFreak]

Both ears syringed? With a hypodermic needle or that little blue squeeze thing?

Mike

Ya apparantly I have "bendy ear canals".
My doc has this machine that pumps warm water through a syringe and cleans out my ears! Not the most pleasant thing to sit through, but get it done once a year when I get my medical.

SF

 

[liberato]

Been reading the posts in this forum concerning the one ear problem - one I've been suffering from as well. For me, its the left that won't equalize...

Did you try cocking your head to the right as far as possible instead of back? Also, for me it is helpful to pre-pressurize (positively pressurize your middle ear before even beginning your descent).

Finally, practicing mutliple times during the day while on dry land helps keep the Eustachian tubes patent (keep them excercised, so to speak).

More techniques to practice (see in particular the Beance Tubulaire Voluntare to most closely mimic a yawn):

http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/MEbaro.html
http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.asp?rid=789
http://www.scuba-doc.com/entprobs.html

 

[scubaaaronh]

if you have any sinus problems or allergies it can cause that to happen also, like me. I use claratin d for about two to three days prior to a dive and no problem when it comes to dive time. also try tilting your head so the ear you are having problems with is up and try to equalize. this also worked for me.

 

[Prudent_Rabbit]

apparantly I have "bendy ear canals".

When my doc told me this I though he was having a laugh, Im the same as you, every year get that horrible syringe and then walk out side and can hear everything with such clarity..

 

[diver3523]

Thank you all for the helpful posts, but this one in particular. That's the technique that I was looking for - mimicking the yawn. I appreciate it!

 

[Ishie]

apparantly I have "bendy ear canals".

When my doc told me this I though he was having a laugh, Im the same as you, every year get that horrible syringe and then walk out side and can hear everything with such clarity..

I'm going to have to try that out. My hearing has been getting worse and worse, and though I can equalize, I have to blow a *little* bit harder than I did six months ago.