Trouble clearing ears

[j8d]

When I try to clear my ears by pinching my nose and blowing, the pressure is only relieved in one ear. Is there any way to overcome this or will I just not be able to dive?

 

[Brian Sharpe]

Here's a thread that may interest you

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/diving-medicine/354649-ears-diving.html

Pay particular attention to post # 4 by TSandM

 

[Crowley]

more information required...

Have you, for example, had a cold recently, or are you prone to a large build up of ear-wax, both of which can cause problems or discomfort when equalising?

There are certain problems which can prevent equalising altogether, or at least make it very difficult. I have encounted several divers with malformed Eustachian tubes (connects your middle ear to your nose and throat), a problem associated with the development (or lack of it) from infancy through childhood. When questioned, they said that they often had problems or discomfort on aircraft, as they were unable to "equalise" in the reduced cabin pressure.

There are also all kinds of growths that can develop in the sinus cavities which might not cause any problems at the surface, but certainly can cause difficulties equalising.

It may be that some of the issues can be bypassed through technique - equalising more frequently during depth changes.

When in doubt - consult an Ear Nose and Throat specialist.

Hope that helps,

C.

 

[j8d]

Thanks for the replies.

This has been an ongoing issue throughout my life, so it's not related to a recent cold. I really don't think I have a build-up of ear wax (Dr. would've said something during physical). The strange thing is I can equalize my ears in a plane just fine.

I have encounted several divers with malformed Eustachian tubes (connects your middle ear to your nose and throat), a problem associated with the development (or lack of it) from infancy through childhood.

If they have trouble equalizing, how do they dive? Is this an issue that commonly prevents people from diving, or can it usually be overcome?

 

[scubajim 1]

you could try to slow your descent alot and clear VERY often...well before you feel a need. Remember you can always ascend a few feet and try to clear.
Two techniques you could try are to move your jaw back and forth (in a sideways motion) and point your chin forward and swallowing. I've had good luck with both when I've been forced to dive with slight congestion.
If these fail to work for you a visit to an ENT specialist may just be the idea...keep us posted.

 

[j8d]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try those techniques the next time I go snorkeling.

 

[Crowley]

Thanks for the replies.

This has been an ongoing issue throughout my life, so it's not related to a recent cold. I really don't think I have a build-up of ear wax (Dr. would've said something during physical). The strange thing is I can equalize my ears in a plane just fine.

If they have trouble equalizing, how do they dive? Is this an issue that commonly prevents people from diving, or can it usually be overcome?

Okay the plane thing is just something I have noticed from asking questions, and in the two most recent cases - one was an OW student and eventually had to quit the course - the other was doing a refresher course after 10 years out of the water and it took us 15 inutes to get from 5 metres to the surface after a safety stop, she was in so much pain.

So - I'm not saying if you have no problems on a plane that you would have problems underwater, but in my experience the two have possibly been connected. If it's a long standing problem then perhaps you do have some deformation of the sinuses or ear passages. If there is a problem, it may well be fixable - still worth getting checked out, I think.

C.

 

[Insta-Gator]

As you descend, when you feel the pressure, stop your descent, rise slightly and then begin to clear. Also, if you descend head down, you'll feel the pressure more quickly. At least this has been my experience.

 

[Dhboner]

Believe it or not it also helps ALOT to start equalizing on the way to the dive site. Someone suggested that to me years ago and it really helped me out. Then equalize at the surface just before you begin your descent. That little "head start" seems to help out as well.

 

[NotLloydBridges]

If your ENT finds nothing else wrong with your ears, you might ask for a prescription for Nasonex or another nasal steroid. I've found that a using the stuff makes it much easier to clear using the standard Valsalva Maneuver. The anti-inflammatory effect typically lasts a good 24 hours, so I don't think there's any worry that your ears would clog back up during a dive so long as you took a toot that morning.

Again, I'm assuming you will be discussing the suitability of this approach for you with your doctor, but it works for me.