Noisy Mask

[WrmBluH2O]

So I had a few similar experiences to yours. I was hearing a bubbling noise and couldn't figure out what it was. Running through my troubleshooting efforts this is the list I came up with.

Tank connection (this probably isn't it in your case since it was not constant based on your first description) and should be easy to sea before descending

BCD Dump valve partially open (most common is the shoulder one and should have been caught during a buddy check, mine was not because it was dark)- this would be indicated by having to put extra air in you BC more frequently, again this one is unlikely

The last time I experienced this was my mask, I know it was my mask because the seal of my mask was under my hood so as I was unconsciously exhaling through my nose my hood filled with air (which was actually kind of nice since the water was about 45F and the the air slowly vented from the hood.

SMStelzel,

Thanks. I don't recall having had to put "extra" air in my BC more frequently, but I was so new that I wouldn't have had (didn't have) a good sense of normal.

I wasn't wearing a hood, but this is good info to know for when/if I try to transition from my 5mm to a 3mm plus hood. Thank you again.

 

[WrmBluH2O]

I often hear a similar sound and it drove me crazy trying to figure out what it was. The answer turned out to be remarkably simple. As I would exhale normally through the 2nd stage, the bubbles would ascend and a small portion would become trapped between my mask strap and my head, then slowly dissipate. It still happens, but now that I know what it is, I've made peace with it. Try taking your mask off and exhale normally and see if you still hear the sound.

bmorescuba,
It wouldn't surprise me if you're right on the mark. If it happens again, I will do as you suggested, thanks!

FWIW (or not) I recall adjusting the mask numerous times on my face to try and make the noise stop. However, as moronic as it sounds (and is) I don't believe I ever simply removed and replaced the mask. That said, my instructor had me flood and/or remove and replace my mask at several different points along several different dives. But, I can't tell you which OW dives. Guess that would be an indication that I ought to keep better post-dive notes in the log.

 

[WrmBluH2O]

View attachment 368390

BRT, you may be on to something. Here is my reg...

Okay, perhaps not. On that day I may have instead been using an Atomic ST1 First & Second Stage; Ti2 Octopus.

Happy diving all!!

 

[CT-Rich]

View attachment 368390

BRT, you may be on to something. Here is my reg...

I have an older Sherwood. The gas escaping is a only a bubble the size of a pea every few seconds. It will not be anything you could hear.

 

[BRT]

I have an older Sherwood. The gas escaping is a only a bubble the size of a pea every few seconds. It will not be anything you could hear.

Not true. When I used a Sherwood the noise of the gas escaping bothered me until someone (a Sherwood dealer I was diving with) explained what the noise was.

I should note that the hole that allows gas to escape can clog so the bubble stream would be decreased or stopped, but that means the environmental protection is lost.