Soft earplugs

[Potapko]

LOL, thanks, I may be slow, but I can be taught

 

[pasley]

...Pasley, I didn't think about the compression of the plug itself, when smaller, it certainly could slip into the ear.

Thanks for getting me on track.
Jeff

You are quite welcome. Glad I could be of service.

 

[crpntr133]

If you want more proof, look it up in your PADI book. My book clearly says not to use ear plugs other than those intneded for diving.

Now I can breath a sigh of relief.

 

[Docs Proplugs]

It is true that solid earplugs are not recommended for divers because as you descend water pressure will force the plug to enter your canal which will lead to ear damage.

The reason that proplugs are so great for divers is because there is a small valve that allows ears to equalize while blocking out excess noise, water and debris due to surface tension. The proplugs are custom fit into your auracle and do not obstruct the canal or delicate ear tissue. Some divers even claim proplugs help them equalize better. Hope that helps. When you do try them, tell us what you think.

The Doc's Proplugs Team
www.proplugs.com

I have read what is here about the problems with earplugs but this was not addressed. I do not have a problem with water in the ears but rather with noise. I am also clear on not putting anything like a hard earblocking plug in while diving. Is there anybody here who is knowledgeable in this area, who is also familiar with soft, sound-reducing inserts. Like the kind they sell at the hardware store for using while cutting the grass? Small, disposible, handy, and breathable.

I was going to try them on a shallow dive tomorrow to like 25 feet and see if they work well. Since they are soft foam, and air can penetrate them, I thought they might be perfect to reduce the bubble noise during a dive. Sometimes I will swim with my hands over my ears just to enjoy the quiet.

Wondering if their are other medical reasons I am unaware of not to do this

Hey, I enjoy the quiet,
thanks in advance

 

[liberato]

I like Proplugs but your company's description of how they work is both incompetent and dangerous:

"Cold water in direct contact with the eardrum will cause pain. Clearing the ears every few feet while descending will prevent this pain."

"...will allow you to equalize pressure more easily while diving and will help to keep the inner ear warm."

"Clearing the ears frequently will make sure the Proplugs vent is open to avoid “ear squeeze” and possible ear damage."

"Advice for person with a ruptured eardrum. Do not dive. If you are a die-hard and must dive, try to seal off the ear canal. You can do this with cotton mixed with Vaseline. Use a cotton plug big enough to fill the canal, about 1/2" long x 3/8" thick. Sew a thread through the plug and bring the thread to outside of the ear canal so that the cotton plug can be pulled out easily after the dive. A Proplug should be placed in the ear to further hold the cotton plug in place. The Proplug can be vented, as the vent will be sealed by Vaseline."

 

[Potapko]

Actually I purchased a couple of pairs of proplugs. I realy liked them the first time I tried them. But the second time, when I did a long dive, over an hour, they began to be uncomfortable. Not sure a different size would help, and the shipping would be more than it is worth.

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

I just don't get how these can work. If they are vented, then, during descent, wouldn't water come through the vent hole? If it does, then, what's the point of wearing them in the first place? If it doesn't, how does the pressure get equalized in the sealed ear canal?

 

[simbrooks]

I just don't get how these can work. If they are vented, then, during descent, wouldn't water come through the vent hole? If it does, then, what's the point of wearing them in the first place? If it doesn't, how does the pressure get equalized in the sealed ear canal?

I think the majority of folks who wear them get ear infections or such troubles. By limiting the amount of water sloshing around in the ear you probably would have less chance of something getting in and infecting. The vent allows enough water in to allow pressure to hit the ear drum, rather than squeezing the plug into your ear as with the soft/non-vented versions, and so you can equalize. This is how i read, thought it through when i came across them, i might not be 100% correct. I looked into buying them due to my ear infection woes in the springs, decided to wear a hood instead - which has helped prevent as much nasty water sloshing around in my ear and so far so good

 

[Docs Proplugs]

Thanks for your comments, I am glad you are fond of proplugs.

In response to your comments on our website content which includes the quotes you added in your last thread, we apologize if any of the content was misleading. We are currently working on a large renovation of the website, and your comments will definately be considered. Please check back into the the website in a couple weeks, as it should be published by then. The new webpage should be more be more helpful to divers and better explain the mechanics of proplugs.

The Doc's Proplugs Team
www.proplugs.com

I like Proplugs but your company's description of how they work is both incompetent and dangerous:

"Cold water in direct contact with the eardrum will cause pain. Clearing the ears every few feet while descending will prevent this pain."

"...will allow you to equalize pressure more easily while diving and will help to keep the inner ear warm."

"Clearing the ears frequently will make sure the Proplugs vent is open to avoid “ear squeeze” and possible ear damage."

"Advice for person with a ruptured eardrum. Do not dive. If you are a die-hard and must dive, try to seal off the ear canal. You can do this with cotton mixed with Vaseline. Use a cotton plug big enough to fill the canal, about 1/2" long x 3/8" thick. Sew a thread through the plug and bring the thread to outside of the ear canal so that the cotton plug can be pulled out easily after the dive. A Proplug should be placed in the ear to further hold the cotton plug in place. The Proplug can be vented, as the vent will be sealed by Vaseline."

 

[Docs Proplugs]

Clarification on the previous post: Our resident Doc has spoken and when it comes to diving the proplug prevents infection and swimmers ear because it prevents the in and out motion of water in the canal. This free in and out water flow allows the flushing out of ear wax (which is the body's natural preventative defense to bacteria and infection), the reduced presence or absense of earwax can encourage bacteria to proliferate on the expose ear canal skin and lead to swimmers ear and ear pain.
Therefore, the proplug, nor a hood, prevents water from entering the ear when diving down into the depths, instead barometric pressure will allow water to enter the ears, which is needed to help divers equalize.

It is not the water itself that causes ear pain and infection, it is the flushing out of protective earwax and the cold of the water which causes this. The Proplugs prevents the washing out of earwax and keeps the water in your ear canal warm. The vent prevents the water which has been warmed by conductive heat of your head from escaping.

Also, pressure changes are less abrupt because of the vent, the membrane of surtface tension keeps the changes of pressure from happening, so during descent instead of experiencing an ear squeeze the diver can focus on equalization. Upon entering the cold water, divers may experience a thermal reaction which is characterized by vomiting and dizziness caused by cold water hitting the ear which is much colder than body temparature, Docs Proplugs can prevent this initial shock by limiting the initial ear exposure to water and cold. Also, entering the water feet first may also help in making equalization and ear comfort easier.

Hope that explains some things.

The Doc's Proplugs Team