Squeaky ear when equalizing ( new diver )

[happy-diver]

Hi everyone, I’m Tanika

Hey Tanika24, go and get your allergies organised, no tablets, no tipping concoctions in your ears
to futureproof yourself so you don't spend the rest of diving with ideas that may not apply to you

By going to see a diving specialist, doctor

south africa diving doctor - Google Suche

Have you found one from my list near you

 

[Sascha314]

It seems like you are doing very well. Most important is no pain.

From time to time I have it as well, mostly its if I equalize a bit too late, so need to equalize a more than average amount. If it does not hurt, its ok. Mostly it happens with poor visibility if my buddies descent to quick and I need to follow in order to maintain contact.

I also find it harder to equalize with equipment than without. Its related to the position and additional pressure you are having in water. Also a hood makes it more difficult, it helps to clear out the air and fill in some water. Also because of the reg you habe another position for your yaw. Try to play around and moving it (and/or the tongue) a bit forward or sideward in order to see if it helps.
Naturally I have rather small tubes, and if my head is on a neutral or below chest position I accumulate a bit more blood in my head, which let the tissues around the tubes swellow a bit. It helps to bring myself in a more upright position and ascent one meter, if I have difficulties to equalize.
Also if I have it for several times I squeeze (one!) Hole of my nose and breath out heavily through the other and vice versa. It helps to clear out in case.

This swellow due to the blood flow I especially notice in the morning after aleeping, and it was the explanation of a diving ENT doctor, as I was asking about it.

 

[LI-er]

I've had sinus issues for most of my life to the point it got so bad I'd surface with a pounding headache which often led to puking. Sometimes at my safety stop. This was over 30 years ago.

Sudafed within an hour before the dive completely obliterated the problem although I haven't taken it in over 20 years. It's short acting so I don't think taking it a week before the dive would be productive unless you need it for relief of symptoms not directly related to diving.

As long as there's no blood and no pain it's all good.

You could consider vented ear plugs to keep water out, I used them for a period of time because my ears would itch for the duration of an entire dive trip. Now, not so much.

 

[FreqFlier]

From time to time I have it as well, mostly its if I equalize a bit too late

+1

 

[KenE]

I believe you have gotten some real good advise here. I would only add that equalization should start on the drive to the dive site, not on the surface or descent. If you start in air it is less stress on the tubes and I find it makes equalizing during descent much easier. I won't comment on meds, I don't use them unless I have too.

Another consideration is to find an equalization method that works for you other than plugging your nose and blowing. As the Chairman pointed out, if you use this method the natural instinct is to lower the chin to the hand plugging the nose and this is not helpful. This method is harmful and should not be used except as last resort. There are several ways and I can't quote all of the names. I found one when flying for work that just works for me, I can't explain it, but it works. It does add a bit of air to my mask through the nose, but does not require any other thought. Please do some research and search SB and you will find several articles and methods. Find one that is comfortable and practice. This will save a lot of uncomfortable ascents and descents.

 

[TMHeimer]

The only(one) time I had a squeaky ear was diving when I still had some congestion after a cold. This happened when ascending. Maybe a little pain.

 

[TrimixToo]

Many divers put their chin into their chest as they try to equalize. Please stop. It pinches off the Eustachian tubes and makes you use an inordinate amount of pressure to equalize. Rather, point your chin up, which will straighten those tubes out a bit, and reduce the pressure needed to equalize.

Also, new divers often wait for pressure to build before they equalize. This can also interfere with those tubes. Start on the surface, and then do it before you feel pressure building up. If it feels like your using too much pressure, often ascending a bit and then pointing that chin away from your chest will allow you to be more comfortable.

Finally, snot in your sinuses can really stop things up. Sometimes blowing snot rockets, one nostril at a time will alleviate the mass allowing you to compensate normally. Yes, you can do this underwater. Them boogers make excellent mask defogging goo.

FWIW, once you've irritated your tubes, it's going to take a while for them to heal. Be easy on them. As easy as you can be.

Have fun and post often. Let us know when you finish!

^^^^ This. Pete beat me to it. The squeaks can very well mean you're right on the edge of barotrauma. Equalize early and often.

 

[DreadnoughtNH]

Thank you for taking the time to type this out for me! I really appreciate it.
If I know I’m about to dive, days before could I start using a decongestant like Sudafed instead of on the day? I know that many people use it right before a dive but I do want to make sure that I’m safe from any reverse squeeze. Some people say you can take the decongestant on the day of the dive and others say you mustn’t. So I’m not sure. Would days before help me and be okay? I do think these mild allergies could be my issue, just like you explained. I’m also currently doing my course in winter and my allergies act up then because of the cold.

Based on my personal experience, and the experiences of those I dive with (including those just starting), I would suggest starting the Sudafed a day or 2 prior to diving, and also morning of your dive (perhaps 1 hour before you get in the water)). Sudafed is available in a 12h extended release variant (at least in the USA); this is the type I would recommend as it is unlikely to wear off off during your dive. Again, I am not a medical professional, and the subject of using medications has MANY opinions. However, I have observed success of divers using Sudafed, and I carry several packs of Sudafed in my travel dive kit because I know it is very successful. It is also my experience that the more diving you do, your ears become accustomed to the pressure and strengthen.

What about the crackling in my one ear when I open and close my jaw? ( to eat, yawn, talk )
It was only for a few hours then stopped, but it was a lot! because I do have sensitive ears after being in the water, I never know if it’s something bad or just my ears acting up and it’s normal. I will definitely try out the “ear beer” though.

This is very normal, especially as you are new to diving. I typically take dive trips where I am making 25-35 dives over the course of 7 days; my ears are frequently waterlogged and squeaking for several days after the trip. Nothing to worry about. Using the ear beer after your last dive of the day should help tremendously.

Thank you again!

Happy to help, and don't forget to have fun!

 

[TrimixToo]

I've used a few decongestants and for me Sudafed wins. However, not diving with any congestion is better. You can be unaware of a sinus blockage, for example.

Whatever you choose to do, make damn sure that the stuff does not wear off while you're in the water. You do NOT want a reverse block. You can trust me on this. Unfortunately.

 

[Seaweed Doc]

Sudafed within an hour before the dive completely obliterated the problem although I haven't taken it in over 20 years. It's short acting so I don't think taking it a week before the dive would be productive unless you need it for relief of symptoms not directly related to diving.

I think Tanika's concern is on the safety side of things. Taking it a week before to eliminate congestion isn't a safety issue.

I know my dive agency specifically says "don't use decongestants to dive" but I'm wondering what others are teaching divers.

This link purportedly describes what DAN recommends: Is It Safe to Take Decongestants Before Diving?