Thinkin of getting Docs Proplugs

[WingNutt]

OK, went diving this weekend and on my second dive on sunday I had to bail out due to equalizing issues. Has anyone ever tried Docs Proplugs and what are your qualified oppinions(meaning you have tried or currently use them)? I see them in the shops all the time but dont get any real good feedback (as in they really dont have experience with them to make a qualified oppinion, they just sell them). Here are my thoughts after doing what research I could before coming here. They seem to help with equalization issues, they help with the cold and foriegn matter entering the ear. My concerns are all of the above. I dont consider myself having severe equalization problems but I do seem to have to work at it harder than I think is necessarry sometimes-if this device could make those few times that are difficult somewhat better then that is great. I also dont like the cold water in my ears and do suffer from migranes from time to time-not necessarrily from diving but in general.

 

[uglyredshoes]

Why not get them and try them out. They are relatively inexpensive. That would probably be the best solution rather than getting subjective opinions.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi WingNutt,

There's really no compelling reason why such plugs should facilitate equalization during scuba, and a recent study of them in airline passengers in fact suggests that they may not ("Pressure-equalizing earplugs do not prevent barotrauma on descent from 8000 ft cabin altitude." *See abstract below).

IMHO, one might be better served by a thorough understanding of proper equalization and perhaps some experimentation with various techniques ---->

The Diver's Ear: Under Pressure (video by Dr. Edmond Kay)
http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.asp?rid=789

As for keeping out foreign matter and reducing cold, they should be of some help in this regard. While their obvious need for simple venting means that some water will still enter the external auditory canal, water will not be sloshing through in copious amounts.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Helpful?

Best of luck.

DocVikingo

*
"Pressure-equalizing earplugs do not prevent barotrauma on descent from 8000 ft cabin altitude.

Klokker M, Vesterhauge S, Jansen EC.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 2005 Nov;76(11):1079-82.

Aviation Medical Center & Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. klokker@dadlnet.dk

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pressure-equalizing earplugs available in major airports and drugstores. No previous study has focused on preventing barotrauma using these earplugs. METHODS: Blinded and double-blinded, one type of pressure-equalizing earplugs (JetEars) was studied in 27 volunteers disposed to ear barotrauma. They acted as their own controls with an active earplug in one ear and a placebo earplug in the other ear at random. All were exposed to the same well-defined pressure profile for 1 h at 8000 ft, comparable to the environment in civil commercial air travel in a pressurized cabin. Satisfaction was assessed by questionnaire and objective results were evaluated prior to and after the pressure exposure by tympanometry and otoscopy using the Teed classification. RESULTS: The majority of the volunteers (78%) reported a pleasant noise-reducing feeling using the earplugs. However, 75% also experienced ear pain during descent. In comparing the middle ear pressure before and after pressurization, a decrease was found in ears with both active earplugs and placebo earplugs. No difference between the active and the placebo earplugs were found. Furthermore, after evaluation of the two groups of ears using otoscopy, no prevention of barotrauma was found. In fact, the ears using an active pressure-equalizing earplug scored significantly worse (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Feelings of noise reduction were reported, but no prevention of barotrauma could be demonstrated with the use of pressure-equalizing earplugs. Pressure-equalizing earplugs cannot be recommended in air travel for preventing ear barotrauma."

 

[gregmontalbano]

I used them for the first time today, and they helped a lot! Getting down was much easier and I was able to do it quicker, but I had to go up slower. Just make sure they fit correctly, any LDS who supplies them should be able to fit you.

 

[BurBunny]

Just started using them on a recent trip to Lembeh. I have very small ears, and eustacian tubes, and they definitely seemed to help equalization. Usually during the course of a trip equalization gets easier and easier as the week progresses, I believe because the tubes become more accustomed to the process. Using the proplugs seems to shorten that adjustment.

I will say that even with properly fitted plugs, my outer ear canal seems to be slightly stretched (enlarged temporarily) by the process and I won't discount that helping the process as well - like pulling on the ear or stretching the tube by bending your neck when you're having trouble.

Of course, this is my own anecdotal evidence and may have no scientific basis, but I won't be diving again without them.

 

[gert7to3]

I use Pro-Plugs. Subjectively, I find they reduce the annoyance of water sloshing in and out of my ear, particularly on the surface. This is especially so in colder water. Your ear won't stay completely dry, but the outer ear canal doesn't completely fill either. Pro-Plugs also permitted me to control my ear when I sufferred a pinhole leak in my eardrum ( I have had a tympanoplasty in my right ear). By canting my ear down, I was able to keep enough of a bubble in the outer ear canal that my middle ear (behind the eardrum) didn't flood. So I didn't have vertigo during the dive and no infection afterwards.

You must be careful about the vent hole in the Pro-Plug. If that gets clogged you could suffer barotrauma. This is because you will create a low presure zone on one side of your eardrum.

 

[gert7to3]

An addendum on Pro-Plugs. They are a bit of a hassle to use. You can disloge them by dragging your mask strap or hood over your ear. They are a clear silicone material, which can be hard to find when you drop them. Finally, they reduce your hearing on the surface. Nice if you're sitting next to the motor on a panga, bad if your dive master is trying to give you any last minute instructions.

 

[Damselfish]

Usually my ears get stubborn after a few days, I use these now and they help me a lot with clearing. Why, I don't know, but I don't care too much. I think the only way you'll know if they help you personally is to try them.

You can get them in red so they're easier to find. They also sell a leash thingy for a couple bucks that is helpful in hanging on to them.