PLEASE help me pop my freakin' ears!

[Scuba_Timmy]

Hey all,

I am totally stuck and need some help!

Im undertaking my OW course right now but cant pop my ears to save my life! I know this is frequently asked but I just need a really useful tip.

I have tried every last technique to no avail, last time I attempted too my nose bled for hours and i could barely hear for days..all this happened just on the sand without the prerssure!

If and when I do manage to get some sort of response from the tubes, it feels as if the air stays as a 'lump' in the middle of the tube and NEVER makes it out all the way. This feeling stays for days!

Can anyone provide some actual help, as my instructor says to .."just blow harder!"..YEAH RIGHT! HELP!

 

[DivingGal]

Never force it.... you can do more damage than good!

Have you check with your Doctor to ensure everything is OK?

 

[Scuba_Timmy]

Never force it.... you can do more damage than good!

Have you check with your Doctor to ensure everything is OK?

Yeah Diving Gal, but he thought it all looked ok, although he was a bit get in - get out orientated at the time, is it normal for their to be a lump feeling in your throat after trying that last for days?

 

[DivingGal]

No it's not.... that's what has me concerned for you. Perhaps a visit to a ENT specialist?

I'm trying to find a post by a couple of members who explained how to equalize without trouble, I'll post the link when I find it.

Have you checked on the DAN FAQs?

 

[oceancrest67]

Yes, check with your doctor and with an ENT.

When I first started diving...clearing my ears was something to get right. I make sure I do not have any ENT issues...no colds, sore throat etc. I used to get scubas snot in my mask...a little bloody nose.

Before I dive...even before the giant stride...I give my ears an initial clear...then at the surface I do it again...and then I slowly drop down clearing my ears on the way down. This works for me.

Good luck.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

There are many methods to assist in equalizing your ears, and the methods which works for you is the one to use. Regardless of method, you must start early and equalize frequently (every foot or two) as you descend.

Try:

• Pinch your nose and blow gently against you pinched nostrils. Do not strain or blow forcefully as you could seriously damage inner ear structures.
• Wiggle your jaw side to side
• Swallow
• Pinch, wiggle, blow, and/or swallow at the same time.
• Yawn

A visit to an ENT may be advised if you continue to have difficulty.

 

[Scuba_Timmy]

Thanks guys,


I know topics like these are posted heaps but i knew i could rely on you all

Im definately going to get re-checked because im worried i will do damage and ruin it all! If you find the link that would be awesome dive gal!

 

[DivingGal]

Here's one thread that has a ton of info....
Equalization

 

[murphdivers286]

My wife and I go to a doctor that just happens to also be a diver. My wife suffered an ear injury not to long ago, becuase she had trouble equalizing. The doctor told her she would probably never be able to do a face down descent becuase of the injury. My wife started clearing her ears at least thirty times a day. You know when you are clearing the tubes, becuase you can hear air moving in your head. My wife also uses a nose spray prior to every dive by the advice of her ENT.

I personally believe you use special muscles when you clear your inner ear. And like all muscles, if you don't use them alot they are difficult to control.

Our last dive was on the PRINCESS ANN out of West Palm Beach, Florida. The current was almost too much to dive, but we did anyways. There was no descent rope to use. We had to go down with no references other than the boat and our compasses. We were advised by the Dive Master to do a head down swimming descent. I was worried my wife would not be able to make it to the wreck because of her ear. I let her lead the way down. I almost had trouble myself keeping up with her. Later after the dive, she told me she did not have any trouble clearing her inner ear.

I do want you to know that I'm not a doctor, and also advise you to see an ENT. I just thought this story may help you with you ear trouble. Good Luck!

 

[--tom--]

I talked to my doctor (he wanted to leave) however he gave a couple of prescriptions that are wonderful. One is a topical nose spray that shrinks the membranes and if you move around correctly (takes some motions that my wife thinks is pretty funny) it will also work on the eustasion tubes. Good for twelve hours. The other is an antihistimine, and again, good for twelve hours. I don't know the names off the top of my head, but if you want to know what they are I'll get them. My doctor named a half a dozen that would work well for this reason.