One Quick Question

[Welif]

Hello all,
i'm new to the forums here and had a basic dive question to ask. Seeing as how i'm not a trained diver yet (i haven't had the money to get training) i just do little snorkel dives at some of the local springs. These springs go down anywhere from 30-50 feet. When i go down in some of these boils my ears start to hurt i was just wondering if there was a way to correct this because i can't really go past 10 feet without having to close my nose and blow air through hoping to pop my ears. I just wanted to know if that was the correct way of "popping" my ears or if there was a better - safer way to do it. Any information would be most appreciated. Thanx again.

 

[JamesK]

That is one of the easiest ways to learn to do it. Ecspecially when free diving. You could also try swallowing hard. That works for me. It will get easier over time. Now I simply exhale through my nose on descent and I have no problems even when dropping like a rock. Of course, that doesn't really work to well freediving!

 

[herman]

Hi Welif and welcome to the board. The problem you are having may not be how you are equalizing but when. If you wait until you start feeling pain you have gone too far. Try to start equalizing as you leave the surface and every few feet(or every meter if you prefer). It is a learned responce and it gets easier as you practice. I can wiggle my jaw from side to side and equalize fairly easily most of the time. Experiment and see what works best for you but in any case, start equalizing early and do it often, if you feel pain, you have gone too far to start.

 

[Spectre]

There is an excellent webpage that touches on many different methods of clearing your ears:

Prevention of Middle Ear Barotrauma

As well as other great information on this board, try searching for 'equalization'.

 

[Arduous]

Listen to herman, equalize early and often. Start equalizing at the surface, before you even duck your head under the water. Pinch your nose and blow gently. Blowing too hard can also cause damage to your ears. Every 2 or 3 feet of decent, pinch and blow again. Doing so early ( Before pain starts ) and often ( Every few feet ) will make your underwater experience safer and more pleasurable. As herman said, it will get easier with time.

Oh yah and welcome to the board from the cold waters of New England USA.
Have fun here and Dive Safe……………….Arduous