Unusual problem clearing ears

[xsnapplemanx]

I'm in the middle of my certification process and we have dove in the pool 3 times now. Each time I have had problems with my ears. I have no problems clearing the right ear, but the left one isn't wanting to clear. If I try the valsalva, my right ear will clear then air starts coming out of my left eye, and my left ear doesn't clear. I can clear the right one is several different ways. The left one will eventually clear and I'll be comfortable on the bottom, but when I come up I get dizzy and the left ear takes some time on the surface to clear. I assume the dizziness is due to the unequal pressure in the middle ear. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[rustyshakelford]

ent appointment

brett

 

[tc]

Have you had a cold or been congested?

Barring that you might want to set up a visit to and ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat) doc to have them take a look and seee if theres some kind of problem.

The last thing you want to do is force the equalization, could end ep giving yourself a much worse problem.

If you need to locate a doc in your area you can check with Divers Alert Network.

DAN Divers Alert Network

 

[mselenaous]

#1 - see a good ENT specialist.
#2 - Call the DAN non-emergency line. They may have some advise and will also have a referral for an ENT with dive medicine experience in your local area. DAN Scuba Diving Medical Services
For additional info DAN website has alot of articles and FAQs on the subject.

If you can't resolve the issue in the pool, it will only get worse in the ocean.

Postpone the rest of your training until the ear issues are resolved.


Best of luck and hope you get it resolved soon and are on your way to a safe diving future.

 

[don Francisco]

Ears that clear unevenly aren't a rare problem, and can be caused by anything from minor stuctural differences right and left, to sinus problems to something as simple as how you hold your head. My left ear is usually slower to clear, though from time to time things reverse and it's my right that gives me problems, leading me to believe that it's something more variable like sinuses vs. anything structural.

Try clearing sooner using non-pressurized methods like swallowing, moving your jaw, or stretching your neck on the harder to clear side. It'll take a while to find what works best for you, so ask you instructor for some extra time in the pool to focus on clearing.

The best thing you can do is start clearing sooner because as you go deeper, increasing external pressure on the Eustachean tubes makes clearing harder. The real concern is that if you don't clear soon enough you'll be tempted to try increasingly aggressive Valsalva maneuvers, possibly injuring the easier to clear ear in the process.

 

[Walter]

The most common method of equalization is the Valsalva Maneuver. Named for Antonio Valsalva, this technique involves pinching off the nostrils and blowing gently into the nose. Never blow forcefully while attempting this method as a too forceful Valsalva Maneuver can result in the rupture of the eardrum, round window or oval window. This will usually result in immediate vertigo and hearing loss, which can be permanent.

The Frenzel Maneuver was named for developer, Herman Frenzel of the Luftwaffe in World War II. This method is preformed by closing off the vocal cords, pinching the nostrils and an effort is made to make a "guh" sound.

The Toynbee Maneuver is simply pinching of the nostrils while swallowing.

Beance Tubaire Voluntaire (BTV) or Voluntary Tubal Opening is the preferred method of equalization once mastered. It feels very much like a yawn and a difference in tonal quality of sounds will be noticed when successful. The muscles of the upper throat are used to pull open the Eustachian tube.

You should employ equalization techniques immediately upon descent and continue them regularly on descent. If any pain is experienced, you should ascend until all pain disappears and begin again.

Often divers find it useful to chew gum or eat foods such as apples or carrots prior to diving. You should not attempt to chew gum or eat while diving.

Another equalization technique divers find helpful is to gently massage the area under the ear, just behind the jaw while using one of the above mentioned methods.

You should consider the massage trick as you ascend.

 

[xsnapplemanx]

Thank you to all, I have arranged a class session in the pool where I can work on it. Hopefully I'll be able to figure it out by the end of my session. I've also contacted DAN about getting a referral to an ENT doctor in my area. I'll keep up the practicing, thanks again!

 

[Don954]

My ears clear unevenly too. I have found a solution that works for me.. maybe for you too. I never have a problem clearing it eventually but if its bugging you like it does me, after acending a bit or leveling off try plugging the ear that clears easier then clear with vasalva technique gently. A good seal on that ear will cause pressure you are creating to perfer traveling to your harder to clear ear. I'm guessing this is because it allows less deflection of your easier to clear ear drum. Careful not to plug your ear while ascending or decending though.. obviously this will cause an exterior ear squeeze possibly injuring yourself.

 

[rstofer]

Assuming the blockage is due to congestion, as an experiment, try 12 hour Sudafed. The longer duration will allow it to keep working throughout your dive day rather than leaving you at depth with a reverse block because it wore off.

A long time ago, in a land far, far away, many of us took Sudafed before diving. Not the modern, long duration version. Just the regular old Sudafed. It worked pretty well.

I don't know if the Sudafed PE stuff works as well. You will probably have to get the regular Sudafed from behind the counter.

If it helps at all, let your ENT Dr know.

There are probably a lot of people that would recommend against using Sudafed. Here's a DAN article on the subject: DAN Divers Alert Network : Pseudoephedrine & Enriched-Air Diving? which does NOT recommend against it. If you're talking to DAN, ask them about it.

You might also find the info at Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page helpful: Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page

Richard

 

[Teamcasa]

After visiting the ENT, try clearing more often. Even a few feet of change will cause some people problems.