Problems at the pool

[sergeantnic]

I finally started my NAUI OW class and we did all our pool dives this weekend. All I have to say is WOW, so far it's been everything I imagined it would be.

I do have one problem. It seems that my ears are on the more sensitive side than most. I have problems clearing on the way down and found that it takes me about twice as long as the rest of the class to get to the bottom without pain in my ears. I've tried holding the nose and exhaling, moving my jaw and swallowing but it seems like none of them work unless I just hang out at a certain depth for a few minutes. Once I'm down to the bottom (16 1/2 feet) I'm fine. No problems.

Then when I start surfacing it's very loud and I start feeling pain. I've tried slowing it up and it helps a little bit but usually I sit on the side of the pool for about 3 - 5 minutes while the pain goes away. Instructor says to just try going slower and that I have really sensitive ears. Any suggestions. I really know I'm going to love SCUBA but this is a little concerning. THinking of buying a pro ear mask to see if it helps.

Thanks

 

[AndyNZ]

If you've got a wax build up on the ear drum, that could be limiting the ease of equalising etc, so you could check out getting them syringed?

Chances are, though, that you've just got small eustachian tubes! And there's not a lot you can do about that, though your body will adjust over time. I used to have horrendous problems but am now fine.

Your instructor is dead right! Go slow, both down and up. If you've reached the point of pain, you're going too fast - don't jeopardise future diving by rupturing an ear drum! If you start to feel pain on descent, stop and go up a few feet and try equalising again. It can also help if you start equalising on the surface before you start your descent.

A slow ascent is always a good idea (in terms of releasing nitrogen) so don't be in a rush to surface!

 

[Azza]

One thing I have found is a lot of student divers wait until they need to equalize. Dont wait. Equalize way before you need to. Even as soon as you start descending, equalize and keep doing it until you reach your desired depth. Over time you will get better at it and need to do it less frequently.


Hope this helps
Azza

 

[Spoon]

for what its worth i had a very diffiult time descending with the line. took me more than an hour to break past the ist 8 feet. after that you kinda get used to it. give it time youl be so comfy after a couple of more pool dives.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Make it a point to see an ear/nose/throat specialist, preferably one who dives.

My son had the same issues you do. The ENT doc was able to discuss the matter with him and provide some prescriptions that helped a great deal. The issue improves over time, however, it may be something that you need to pay attention to more than other divers - which means paying attention to and improving your bouyancy and trim.

As the others have said, take your time descending and ascending. It isn't a race. Having your ears professionally cleaned may also make a big difference - waxy buildup can contribute to the problems.

Best of luck.

 

[RonFrank]

Sunburn is the number one injury to divers, ears I believe are number two.

I initially had a few problems clearing on my first checkout dives (not in the pool). I can now clear without issue. I start clearing as I start my ascent, and I don't go down until I feel both ears clearing on the way down, which is generally immediately.

I hold my nose and blow. Don't overdue it, and don't decend fast at first. I can now swim headdown, and decend just about as fast as I can swim, but don't do that until you are comfortable clearing.

I've never had trouble coming up. I can always feel my ears leaking air as I ascend. If you start to feel pain during an ascent, stop.

I agree with others who have suggested having a doctor check you ears for wax buildup, and if there is none, maybe see a specialist.

ProPlugs are IMO not going to help much. They prevent water from getting in the ears, but most report that they do not help with clearing however some say they do.

Take it easy, take your time, and don't worry about how fast other can decend. The good news is that the first 15 feet for whatever reason seem to be the hardest to clear. Once I get past 20 feet, I generally don't have issues as my ears are *loose* so to speak, and a quick blow when I feel any pressure, and they clear immediately.

 

[AndyNZ]

The good news is that the first 15 feet for whatever reason seem to be the hardest to clear.

A bit off thread, but that's physics.... all those pressure/volume/density relationships with depth.

Sorry, but switching into metric here...

Pressure at 10m depth is 2atm (1atm due to air + 1 due to water), at 20m it's 3atm, 30 is 4atm and so forth. Volume of a flexible container changes to 50% of it's volume at 10m, 33% at 20m and 25% at 30m.

Your ears are basically a fleixble container... so if you didn't equalise the percentage change in volume is greatest in the first 10m. Because you do equalise, it means that the amount of air you need to force down your eustachian tubes decreases as your depth increases.

Here endeth the lesson.

 

[Halthron]

Make it a point to see an ear/nose/throat specialist, preferably one who dives.

My wife had similar problems when she was first getting certified. She tried to rush and ended up equalizing too hard, causing her to have to sit out for a few weeks until cleared by our then doc (who dives).

Now is really the best time to go. Gaining a better understanding of your own limitations will only help you in the future. And it may be something correctable, like wax buildup against your eardrum.

But definately make it a diving doc.

 

[spectrum]

What you have going down soundslike the typical new diver experience. It get's easier with time. Be patient, it's not a riace and not worth an injury.

The pressure usually vents passivly on ascent so that pain is worth getting seen by a doctor. Ask your GP for a referal to an ear doctor who is dive savy. While he can't make a referral your nstructor may know of a doctor you can suggest to your GP.

As mentioned the pool covers the most difficult range, it gets easier and easier as you go deeper.

Pete

 

[sergeantnic]

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to make an appointment with an ear doc and just take it slow.