Lets talk ear plugs for diving.
- Thread starter DeputyDan
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I've been using vented Doc's pro plugs off and on for years. They work great. I just lost a pair in the water (I usually set ehm down somewhere and forget about them) for the very first time this friday. I'll be picking up another set and leashing them to my mask strap (didn't do this last time and lost the plugs during mask removal demonstrations) before my next dive.
These things are great. I'd put them as a close second to the Pro Ear masks when it comes to helping with ear problems, but the 13 buck price tag is attractive.
Too much teaching my first couple of years as an instructor, and slight vog allergies, has made it so I can only handle a couple of back to back ascents unless I have some sort of assistance. The plugs work great.
I've had no troubles with venting on fast ascents (had to chase a certifed diver who bolted the other day) or on multiple ascents or descents when using the plugs. I'd gotten away form the plugs when I bought the mask, then the mask broke and I went without for about a year and got back into the plugs 3-4 weeks ago - I've noticed a huge difference in my comfort.
I'd highly recommend them.
These things are great. I'd put them as a close second to the Pro Ear masks when it comes to helping with ear problems, but the 13 buck price tag is attractive.
Too much teaching my first couple of years as an instructor, and slight vog allergies, has made it so I can only handle a couple of back to back ascents unless I have some sort of assistance. The plugs work great.
I've had no troubles with venting on fast ascents (had to chase a certifed diver who bolted the other day) or on multiple ascents or descents when using the plugs. I'd gotten away form the plugs when I bought the mask, then the mask broke and I went without for about a year and got back into the plugs 3-4 weeks ago - I've noticed a huge difference in my comfort.
I'd highly recommend them.
Dutchman
Contributor
Can we talk about the Pro Ear mask ? Does anyone use this mask? Pros & cons? I have some problems equaizing my ears. The idea behind this make sense.
Canadian_Diver
Contributor
Dutchman:
So far as I'm concerned, it presents the same types of risks as the vented ear plugs.
I've been thinking about getting the ear plugs too (the one's made for diving). As a kid I swam on swim teams, the long exposures to cold water has changed the anatomy of my ear canal, and I am ALWAYS getting external ear infections. The good thing about external infections is that I can still dive, the bad thing is the need for medication, the pain, and the cost associated with the visit to the dr. and the pharmacy. Yes, I do use the ear drops after diving. I only get infections in one ear so thought about just using the one ear plug so that I could still hear. I know a diver that uses them and really likes them.
Ann Marie:
Do you let the ear drops rest for no less than 5 minutes in each ear? I have read that in some Navy studies this is critical.
Pete
Ann Marie:
Here's a thought. You only get infections in 1 ear. Is it the left? I used to frequently have left side only ear infections all the time when I started diving regularly, so did others I know, until I figured out what was causing it..... I drive with the window down. Wind in a wet ear is not good... at least that's my guess. My left side only ear infections stopped when I went to A/C full time in the car. Going to the plugs (and later the mask) with a good routine of drops post dive cleared up most of the rest of my troubles 'til the A/C died in my pickup. Now I'm having occasional left side problems again when I just can't stand keeping the driver's side window up.
Kriterian
Guest
friscuba:
Wow, that's some nice investigative skills you've got there. Like CSI or Forensic Files or something. All three of my infections have been in my left ear, and I hadn't thought of that. Good job!
Kriterian:
It's still just a guess on may part, but after constant left side problems the first yearor two I taught, the problems evaporated the week the window went up and only returned on the window going down again.
liberato
Guest
Regarding DAN's comment... They are generally trying to be even handed but even then you have to read carefully. The first expert's comments are incompetent because he doesn't even know they exist and if he does he doesn't understand how they work. The second's is less so but still lacks understanding of how they work and any personal experience. She seems to be fixated on wax getting embedded in the valve as some serious potential problem. Well, if you have that much excess wax you should definitely clean out your ears. You could only possibly get wax in it on ascent anyway which does not require the water in the ear canal to go through the valve (it can just go around the plug by design). I have never had wax plug the valve or heard of anyone who has but I do wash them after every use. Contrary to her claims, potential real problems are actually almost nil. I have even removed them at depth. You simply slowly remove them. There is no sudden influx of cold water. The warm water already in your deep ear canal is gradually cooled to ambient by the free flow of water and you are diving as if you never had them.
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