Lets talk ear plugs for diving.

[SparticleBrane]

Many of us know how to equalize, but still have problems. Equalize before you need to, great in theory but for those of us with problems it is not the answer.

If you know how to equalize, but you still have problems, then this results in two possible conclusions:
A: You don't know how to equalize proficiently.
B: You know how to equalize, but aren't doing it correctly. Obviously if you were doing it correctly we wouldn't be having this conversation!

I can go up and down just a foot or two 3-4 or more times and still have problems. I equalize go up/down a foot or two and then have to equalize again but can't; go up/down a foot maybe I can maybe I can't and have to ascend/descend some more , however until this point I am consciously equalizing before needing to.

If you were equalizing properly, you wouldn't be having these issues. Also consider that I've had issues in the past, but improving my technique helped to resolve those issues.

For those who do not have problems equalizing it is easy to say that those who do need better technique. I WISH IT WHERE THAT SIMPLE, IT IS NOT!

No need to raise your voice. :14:
You are correct. It's easy for me to say that people should improve their technique, because of my own personal experience. This is the same issue as anything else where I might suggest improving technique. Example--In the pool on Monday I was working with a class of ~12-13 new students on buoyancy control and trim. They were doing their best to hover in front of the mirrors in the pool. Some were (halfway) successful, others...not so much. After observing them, I can easily suggest improvements in technique to the new students based on what they're doing and based on my own previous experience and problems with this same skill.

I am glad you can dive without this problem however until you have it do not accuses those who do of not having good technique.

I've had my own issues with equalizing, thanks. Just because I say that people should improve their technique doesn't mean that I've never had issues with mine.

Proper equalization is the result of knowing your body and knowing what actually happens when you equalize--it's a bit more complicated than just closing off your nose and blowing.
The reason I suggested improving technique instead of looking to equipment is that, as a general rule, people immediately look to something OTHER than themselves for the root cause of a problem. We all do it; it's human nature. Also, people don't like to be told that they might not be doing something as well as they could be.

I mentioned "knowing your body". As an example--no matter what I do, my left ear usually (>50% of the time) equalizes after my right ear, so that can occasionally complicate things. This isn't affected by hand position, body position, whether or not there's water in my ear, which hand I use, tempterature, etc. Thus the only conclusion left is that this is a byproduct of how my body functions. I forgot this last evening in the pool and experienced a bit of pain after doing many surface dives, because I could equalize my right ear quickly enough my descent but not my left.


Debay is correct. Currently there are (if I recall correctly) 5 known methods to equalize the pressure in your ears. Unfortuantely I am only decently proficient in one--the standard valsalva. You have no idea how envious I am of people who can just do the "wiggle your jaw" method. I can occasionally swallow to equalize, but that is never consant for me.

As I said earlier, there's no reason to assume that I've never had issues just because I suggest improving someone's technique. It's all based on past personal experience and the experience of others.

 

[ArcticDiver]

If you know how to equalize, but you still have problems, then this results in two possible conclusions:
A: You don't know how to equalize proficiently.
B: You know how to equalize, but aren't doing it correctly. Obviously if you were doing it correctly we wouldn't be having this conversation!

NOT so. I seldom am this direct in my posts. But the fact is, according to my ENT, that some people have congenital difficulty clearing. It isn't a matter of knowledge or technique.

To say that someone doesn't know how to equalize or is using wrong techique without a previous ENTexam to rule out a physical problem is just not correct.

 

[SparticleBrane]

The above post was, of course, counting out medical issues.
Note my previous post:

Unless you have a medical condition, it's usually a technique issue.

 

[ronbeau]

There is a brand called "Doc's Proplugs" www.proplugs.com

I bought some, but after doing some research, decided not to use them.

What did you find in your research that made you change your mind?

 

[fairybasslet]

I have been to an ENT who is a diver, recommended by DAN. I have tiny Eustachian tubes. He told me I'll never be a Navy SEAL. He had no opinion on the pro plugs but told me to make sure the hole never got clogged. I keep a toothpick in the case and stick it through the hole every once in a while just to make sure it is open. He did recommend sudafed before every dive. I know several different ways to equalize. I practice the techniques all the time, even when I'm sitting at my desk. On my last trip, I did not have trouble equalizing once. It was an awesome feeling. Was it
1) Sudafed
2) Proplugs
3) My improved technique

I don't care but I'm not leaving any of them out of the equation next time I dive.

 

[ArcticDiver]

The above post was, of course, counting out medical issues.
Note my previous post:

Good that you clarified. From the length and language of your post it sure appeared your were giving lip service to medical issues and laying the blame on lack of knowledge and poor technique.

 

[Debay777]

ill just post this link in ref to using pseudophed. still not sure how I feel myslef, but DAN doesnt post stuff they cant back up. check it out http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=51

 

[Tom Winters]

The vented Doc's ProPlugs are GREAT. Get them in red since the clear ones get lost way too easily.

 

[liberato]

... to include such a testimonial does great harm to their credibility, regardless of the veracity of their primary claims.

...If Doc's Pro Plugs' site could be a bit more thoughtful as to their claims, they may even be able to speed that along. As it stands, however, they have (even if inadvertantly) tripped my bogosity detector.

I am with you there. I have to say, though, the information on the website in the scuba section is 100% improved from when I looked at it a year ago when it was entirely wrong. At least now they have the general concept right. It is still populated with a few howlers ("Clear ears often to allow air to escape through the Proplugs vent and allow for better equalization.") and the testimonials are an embarrasment as you pointed out. I think the problem was both that the company was originally surfer-centric and the inventor has long since passed on along with his primary knowledge. Most of the recent informational improvements I see on the diving section their website are culled from posts right here at SB. I remain a big fan of the product itself even if I constantly rag on the company's marketing efforts.

 

[DPP Santa Cruz]

It is good to see such interest in Doc's Proplugs. It is especially warming to read about the different perspectives that people take to this product. The company itself is a small family business started by Dr. Robert Scott, who still directs our marketing efforts. Our style is very traditional, and are working to catching up to the rest of the world!

After reading some of these posts, I would like to provide a bit more information about this product to clear up any doubts and misconceptions about this product. Doc's Proplugs is designed to prevent ear infections and exostosis, originally for surfers, swimmers, and ear tube patients who wanted to get back in the water.

By some miracle, the fenestrated design (vented) began gaining popularity among the diving community beginning in 1998. Since then, by Doc's claim, tens of thousands of divers have been fitted and served. Many claiming that the plugs eased pain, decreased water lodged in ear, and helped ascending and descending.

Doc's Proplugs are not endorsed by any medical association, nor have been researched thoroughly by other physicians other than Doc himself who continues researching ear implications. However, results have been positive, and reception to the plugs is always good.

The following is additional info from an earlier post which you might find helpful:

Doc's ProPlugs are preformed earplugs made out of a plastic called Kraton. The vented (fenestrated) Proplugs are the design that is recommended for surfers and divers alike, they come in fire engine red and clear, and also with a leash connecting the two plugs or without a leash. The non-fenestrated proplugs are non vented and are ideal for surface swimming and bathing.

There are eight different premolded sizes; guaranteed to fit 95% of the population. The one catch to get the best out of your 8-10 $ is to make sure you get fitted (I cannot stress this enough) as sizes range from Tiny to XX-Large.

The vented hole design allows for safe and easier equalization. Pressure change is made less abrupt as surface tension is created when water tries to pass through the vent hole. The plugs prevent water from flushing in and out of the ear canal so as to cut down on ear infections.

Doc's Proplugs continues to support and provide safety to the U.S. Freediving Team, the Performance Freediving Team, and individual diving record breakers like Tanya Streeter, and Brett LeMaster.