lttleldydver:
I have had issues on past dives getting my ears to clear. But, this has always been on the way down and usual techniques eventually get me where I need to be. This time our max depth was 80ft. All was ok until I came up to about 30ft. Then, intense pain and a sort of "hissing" in my right ear. I decended and then came back up. Had to do this a couple times. Also had to clear sinus blood from my mask.
I absolutely agree with your decision and other posters advice here.
If you feel reverse block or squeeze, sometimes evidenced as you describe, but more often felt as a crippling piercing pressure in one of your facial sinus cavities (just under your eyebrows or below and around your nose bridge). There are some ways to deal with it.
If you feel the pressure, be prepared to descend again, as you did. Now- think about what this really is. It is the reverse of pressurizing your sinus cavities upon descent (usualy with the valsalva "blowing your schnozz" technique).
You have too much pressurized air trapped in your sinus cavities and it is trying to get out through the tiny tubes- maybe now swollen shut- from whence it came in. At depth it was fine- but as you ascend and the gas expands- it's gotta get out- thus the squeaking you heard. It was just air escaping through this swollen duct.
What can you do to assist? Get at that comfortable depth and...How about a reverse valsalva.... basicaly close off your mouth with your tongue, pinch your nose- and suck gently (inhaling as it were) against your upper respiratory sinus areas. Kinda like suckin a booger :11ztongue , an art much more practiced by boys than proper girls. Vigorously finger massage your affected sinus areas and also the areas that lead toward your upper gum line at your nostril. (Check a sinus location map in your dive books). With a combination of massage and sucking- I've never had one beat me.
Your first step is always to take care of your sinuses :10: and not mistreat them on the way down or pre dive. Start equalizing before you hit the water, descend in a head up position. Avoid non dive activities such as smoking or drinking. Certain medications work well for some divers allowing their sinuses to remain open. I do not recommend them until you take active steps to eliminate any factors that might cause sinus issues pre emptively.
First aid following is rest and Ibuprofin. Always bring it along, take it immediately upon any barotrauma such as you describe.
These are techniques you can only express to someone who is not in need of them at the time. There is little or no communication
possible with a diver in this distress.
