DevonDiver
N/A
I have seen a number of people claim that Doc Pro Plugs for divers were a gimmick and that any positive effect they had on a diver was placebo. I have seen several people told the same thing with respect to wearing a hood and how that helps them the equalize. I am not in a position to try to explain the science, but because of these examples, I am not about to write this mask off as a gimmick.
Oh, I am not writing them off as a gimmick. I know some DMs and instructors who use them - not all the time, but keep them on hand for periods where there ears might suffer from that 'pre-infection scratchiness'.
I just doubt some of the claims made for the mask. Check out their website and you'll see what I mean. Helping equalisation is one of those claims...
The only possible reason would be because it keeps the ears warmer - increased circulation and/or reduced inflammation (if cold water causes that?)...might have some minor effect on the Eustachian tubes? But even then, the temp of air being breathed, plus water contact with the neck and side-of-the-head would have a impact also.
Like I said, I am really scratching to see how those things could translate into a published claim that they 'helped equalisation'.
Even just keeping the ears dry might be beneficial, as water transfers pressure to the inner ear more efficiently than air.
Jim, I'm not really sure what you're talking about here.... or how it relates to the process of equalisation?
Pressure outside. Pressure inside. Sealed barrier between.
Equalise pressure inside via Eustachian tubes.