take the time to equalize

[bvana1]

I was on my final check out dive for my Open Water cert. My instructor/dive buddy was also in charge of 2 other, more experienced (read impatient) divers, so when we entered the water there seemed to be a rush to the bottom. My mistake was not taking the time to equalize properly.

At the bottom (78 ft. Palancar Gardens, Cozumel) my ears hurt really bad, but I continued, thinking this was normal. When we surfaced I coughed up serious blood and goo. Ears hurt bad and couldn't hear too well. Did a second dive regardless in shallower water. Same thing.

That was 3 days ago. My ears still kinda hurt and feel pressure. Even after Sudafed and nasal decongestant. I came to CZM to dive everyday and haven't dove since that day. I did get certified but am on my way to the DAN clinic to see an ear specialist.

The moral of this bummer story is that ALL divers, but especially new ones, should take the time to equalize properly or your trip could deteriorate like my did. I hope this helps someone.

 

[TSandM]

Thank you for posting your story. Ear injuries are the most common injury in diving students and new divers, and we just don't seem to do a good job of educating people that diving should NOT hurt your ears. Even experienced and impatient divers can have days when their ears don't cooperate; EVERYONE should be willing to be patient with someone who needs to pause their descent to get their ears to clear.

 

[traveljunkie]

I normally take a good bit longer to get down than most divers. After visiting an ENT I found I have a deviated septum which contributes to some of the problem. I find descending horizontally and not feet first helps a lot. I have some "bloody snot" after every single dive I have done.

 

[RichWilx]

+1 on slow descents and lots of equalizing!

Is it normal that equalizing makes a high pitched sound like squeezing out the air of a tiny hole in a balloon?

 

[antattack]

Glad you were not broken to the point of immobility. For the sake of the sport we love, as well as our own safety, we might also consider that any barotrauma on a first dive is a contraindication for having a second dive.

We are hoping for your speedy and complete recovery

 

[phork]

Is it normal that equalizing makes a high pitched sound like squeezing out the air of a tiny hole in a balloon?

Hope so, mine do it pretty often. Usually on ascent rather than descent though.

 

[TSandM]

Noise indicates air moving through a very small aperture. If your ears are squeaking on descent, you have either left equalizing too late, or you have some degree of obstruction. For some people, that's anatomic and unavoidable. If your ears don't NORMALLY squeak on descent, and they are doing it on a particular day, it's a warning that you may be at risk for further narrowing and reverse block.

 

[electrix]

About the last thing a student hears from me as we descend to the training platform is " your ears are not supposed to hurt, your ears are not supposed to hurt "

 

[GrimSleeper]

I was on my final check out dive for my Open Water cert. My instructor/dive buddy was also in charge of 2 other, more experienced (read impatient) divers, so when we entered the water there seemed to be a rush to the bottom. My mistake was not taking the time to equalize properly.

At the bottom (78 ft. Palancar Gardens, Cozumel) my ears hurt really bad, but I continued, thinking this was normal. When we surfaced I coughed up serious blood and goo. Ears hurt bad and couldn't hear too well. Did a second dive regardless in shallower water. Same thing.

That was 3 days ago. My ears still kinda hurt and feel pressure. Even after Sudafed and nasal decongestant. I came to CZM to dive everyday and haven't dove since that day. I did get certified but am on my way to the DAN clinic to see an ear specialist.

The moral of this bummer story is that ALL divers, but especially new ones, should take the time to equalize properly or your trip could deteriorate like my did. I hope this helps someone.

Sorry to hear about what happened to you, but is it really a 'mishap'? Sounds more like poor instruction to me.

1. Surely at some point in your training you were taught that, if your ears hurt, something is wrong?
2. Why was the instructor's focus on the two 'experienced' divers, not you, the student? S/he should have been checking that you were equalising properly throughout the descent.
3. Why were you at 78 feet? As far as I'm aware, the mainstream agencies set a maximum depth for OW course dives of 60 feet.

If there's a lesson beginner or new divers should take from what happened to you, I'd say it's this: pay attention to the theory you learn, pick your instructor carefully, and don't allow yourself to be 'peer-group pressured' into ANYTHING (including a fast descent) that makes you physically or psychologically uncomfortable.

Oh, and if you cough up a lot of blood and slime after a dive? Probably consider not going back in the water...

 

[blue steal]

Good advice from those above.
Check out the DAN website. There are some very good articles on ears.
I also have a difficult time clearing my right ear as a result of 50 plus years of surfing cold waters.
I'm the last one to get to the bottom as I take my time, equalizing often on the decent.