Liveabord ears thats hurts

[Alexander Nygaard]

Hi.

I'm not sure this one specifically has been up if so, I can't find it and please link me to the thread.

I dive from time to time, but when I'm going on a liveabord and do multiple dive a day, my ears start to hurt, and it gets more and more difficult for me to equalize. Don't think it's an infection, because I can also feel it after just one dive at home.
I'm going in a trip again very soon
Do any one have any suggestion to what I could do? I already mixed the eer beer formula. But again, I don't think it's an infection due to I can start the feel it after just one dive at home.

Br

 

[Wheeler925]

equalize more?

 

[Alexander Nygaard]

Found this one: Sore ears after multiple dives?

 

[Alexander Nygaard]

equalize more?

Yes, I would generally say that I'm quite good at equalizing and mostly do I without pincing my nose. But I will try to do it even more often.

 

[USdiver1]

Remember that there are three methods to equalize your ears and sinuses: Valsalva [pinch and blow], swallowing, and moving your jaw from side to side. USE ALL THREE methods, combine them, go from one to another, but USE ALL THREE.
I would suspect that you have been using the Valsalva method too often, and that you have probably over pressurized your ears and sinuses on a regular basis, causing your discomfort.
Just relax and if one method does not give relief, switch to another method, etc.

 

[passeparici]

First every morning you should put a few drops of Almond oil in each ear, it protects your ears from infection but not only. Right at the end of the dive you should rinse your ears with fresh water. There are some product to disinfect your ears after a dive but after a while those products are not so good for you ears : use them once a day at most. And of course the way you equalize your ears is important : too many Vasalvas are not good for your ears (but not equalizing enough is also bad). Try to learn a less traumatizing way for your ear. Diving 2 or 3 time a day is very stressful for your ears, the more you take care of them the better...

 

[KenE]

I would also suggest equalizing when not diving. If you only equalize when diving the muscles are getting used rarely. Then on multiple dives the muscles are getting over worked causing pain and difficulty equalizing. Consider equalizing on a daily basis using as many different methods as you can master. This will make diving much more comfortable. Keep diving!

 

[nippurmagnum]

Whenever I go ona liveaboard, I take a dropper bottle with a homemade solution of 50 percent isopropyl alcohol and 50 percent vinegar. Put a few drops in each ear after each dive. Works like a charm to avoid ear infections, as it keeps the ear canal dry and the pH level keeps bacteria from taking over.

I also bring a second dropper bottle for the boat. When people ask me what I’m putting in my ears, I explain it and invite them to try for themselves. The first day, most people say “that’s ok, I’m fine.” The second day, they say “what was in that solution you were talking about?” By the third day, half the divers on the boat are using it. By the last day, there’s a mild panic if the communal dropper bottle isn’t readily visible. When all the diving is done, I give the communal bottle as a gift to whoever seemed to benefit from it the most.

 

[NorCalDM]

I use swimmers ear between dives but make sure you stay hydrated and slow with the caffeinated drinks. I also chew gum between dives which helps me.

 

[passeparici]

Whenever I go ona liveaboard, I take a dropper bottle with a homemade solution of 50 percent isopropyl alcohol and 50 percent vinegar. Put a few drops in each ear after each dive. Works like a charm to avoid ear infections, as it keeps the ear canal dry and the pH level keeps bacteria from taking over.

That's a good solution I also use but, as I said before, it is maybe not a good idea to use it after each dive if you have 3 dives a day for 15 days. Several doctors told me it might be a bad idea for your ears. Once a day in that situation seems better (rinse your ear with fresh water after each dive though)