WARNING: Don't use ear plugs!

[captain]

This begs to ask two questions. Are currently trained divers not cautioned about the use of ear plugs. This was covered in training in the past.
Second, if the objective of ear plugs is to keep water out of the ear how exactly can vented plugs prevent this. In my opinion ear plugs supposedly designed for diver is no more than an advertising money making gimmick.

 

[knowone]

WARNING: Scuba diving is dangerous!

Tilt head ear down and hop on one leg.


It's not sport, it's life support!

 

[HowardE]

This begs to ask two questions. Are currently trained divers not cautioned about the use of ear plugs. This was covered in training in the past.
Second, if the objective of ear plugs is to keep water out of the ear how exactly can vented plugs prevent this. In my opinion ear plugs supposedly designed for diver is no more than an advertising money making gimmick.

I use the Doc's Proplugs (http://www.proplugs.com/) all the time now, and I'll say this.

1) They work
2) It's easier for me to clear my ears
3) I haven't had an ear infection since.

Before I used them, I had problems clearing when I would be diving 20 times a week (I don't have the best sinuses). Also last year, I had 2 ear infections (before I started using Doc's).

I highly recommend them to anyone who asks me about them.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I use the Doc's Proplugs (Doc's Proplugs: The Doctor's Choice for Ear Protection) all the time now, and I'll say this.

1) They work
2) It's easier for me to clear my ears
3) I haven't had an ear infection since.

Before I used them, I had problems clearing when I would be diving 20 times a week (I don't have the best sinuses). Also last year, I had 2 ear infections (before I started using Doc's).

I highly recommend them to anyone who asks me about them.

I do not personally use the plugs however I dive with 3 people minimum that would say exactly what Howard has (except the frequency of diving). Doc's ProPlugs for divers work for MANY divers out there and while this may not explain the "Why", it is known by many as true.

 

[TMHeimer]

Just curious...if the "vented pro plugs" allow water in the ear after 20" then what is the point in wearing them? Not being facetious..but I've never done a dive (granted I have limited experience) less than 30'. What is the value of earplugs that let in water? I too, have problems with my ears and have been wondering about whether or not one can dive with earplugs, but if they let water in then why bother?

They let very little water in, and none that gets far into the ear, because they prevent
water from just rushing in there. You also can move your head around, sideways, etc. -- any direction and no more water than the usual small amount will slosh in there. This is not possible when just wearing a hood. Though I don't bother with the plugs with a hood on as the plugs tend to jostle out under the hood. I just try not to flip around with just the hood, as if I remain horizontal, it is as good as the plugs for keeping most water out.--Or almost as good.

 

[oncor23]

My experience with vented ProPlugs:

Alone...no hood...keeps water out of ears up to 20 ft depth.

thick, tight hood, 5 or 7mm, does about the same....no or little water in ears.

Together...keeps water out of my ears down to maybe 40ft. Beyond that...a little water in ears, but certainly less than without the plugs.

As for equalization...I prefer less water in my ears...equalization seems easier for me. Might be totally "in my mind", but as it is, I wear the plugs whenever I don't forget to bring them.

 

[Searcaigh]

I have to agree with Oncor regarding water in the ears making equalization easier.

If I have not dived for a while I sometimes have some issues equalizing on the first dive, but on the second I usually have not problems.

 

[DeputyDan]

I use the Doc's Proplugs (Doc's Proplugs: The Doctor's Choice for Ear Protection) all the time now, and I'll say this.

1) They work
2) It's easier for me to clear my ears
3) I haven't had an ear infection since.

Before I used them, I had problems clearing when I would be diving 20 times a week (I don't have the best sinuses). Also last year, I had 2 ear infections (before I started using Doc's).

I highly recommend them to anyone who asks me about them.

I have used Doc's pro plugs (vented) on practically every dive since 2005 and have had no issues.

 

[rhwestfall]

God is a great Engineer

then why did he run a waste disposal system through a playground?????? (there is a real old joke there) :cool2:

 

[oncor23]

Follow up: Diving on Saturday past. Used Proplugs and tight 7mm hood. Went to 55 ft max depth. No water in ears. With a lighter, looser hood, water would have gotten in my ears...