Doc's pro-ear plugs?
- Thread starter pinkydinky
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
DiveTheGalapagos
Contributor
I know it's been a long time since this thread had any activity, but I just got to use ProPlugs for the first time a couple weeks back and am thrilled! After 7 visits to an ear specialist this year and after using the ProEar Mask (which works, but I didn't like the mask and it is a pain to fit properly), the ProPlugs allowed me back into a regular mask and allowed me to keep diving. We dive in too much current to use the lanyard. At first, I was a bit paranoid they would somehow fall out while underwater, but no...pressure keeps them secure. My ProPlugs and stainless steel springs for my Apollo bio fins are probably my favorite 2 pieces of dive gear.
It is recommended you hold them up to the light before diving to make sure the vent is open. I rinsed them after every dive and soaked them in warm water after the week.
I am so happy with the ProPlugs.
It is recommended you hold them up to the light before diving to make sure the vent is open. I rinsed them after every dive and soaked them in warm water after the week.
I am so happy with the ProPlugs.
k374
Contributor
I have issues equalizing and can't dive without the pro plugs. They work great for me!
The plugs makes equalization more gradual so that the ears have more time to adjust to the change in pressure.
The plugs makes equalization more gradual so that the ears have more time to adjust to the change in pressure.
- Messages
- 16,415
- Reaction score
- 5,226
- # of dives
- 1000 - 2499
Iv'e used them for years. Never had equalizing problems with or without them (I use them to keep water out and prevent "swimmer's ear"), but a couple of points:
1. They don't keep every bit of water out, but enough to keep water from sloshing way in your ear.
2. I don't use them with my 7 mil hood, as the hood serves the same "non-sloshing in" purpose and the plugs tend to come out and roll around in the hood.
3. I wrap the connecting line once around my mask strap (no hood on), as at times one of them may come out of the ear-- this way I won't lose them.
4. Be very gentle with the area where the connecting line is attached to the plug. It will break off and is very difficult to reattach/fix. Probably have to buy a new one.
(5. don't use them when practising any mask removal techniques--especially the DM equipment exchange drill!!!)
1. They don't keep every bit of water out, but enough to keep water from sloshing way in your ear.
2. I don't use them with my 7 mil hood, as the hood serves the same "non-sloshing in" purpose and the plugs tend to come out and roll around in the hood.
3. I wrap the connecting line once around my mask strap (no hood on), as at times one of them may come out of the ear-- this way I won't lose them.
4. Be very gentle with the area where the connecting line is attached to the plug. It will break off and is very difficult to reattach/fix. Probably have to buy a new one.
(5. don't use them when practising any mask removal techniques--especially the DM equipment exchange drill!!!)
Last edited:
I'm going to buy some while in the US over the Xmas holidays. Several people on my recent dive trip were using them and swear by them. I don't have problems equalizing, but want to help keep my ears as dry and happy as possible when doing several dives a day over a week or two.
SCUBASailor
Contributor
Earwax is not a "hygiene thing". It's not like dirt on the skin that can be easily washed away, nor is it by choice that it gets put in our ears. Some people produce more earwax than others. The implication you make is that people with earwax are somehow less than diligent with regard to hygiene, and that is absolutely incorrect.
DiveTheGalapagos
Contributor
Damselfish
Contributor
If you have trouble with the lanyard flapping around or getting in the way, you could also try shortening it. Either tie a knot to make it shorter, or better yet pull the excess through one of the plugs to the right length, tie a new knot and cut off the end. Or, find some other kind of fine nylon or poly cord and replace the plastic lanyard. I find anything is more cooperative than the plastic. Tricky getting it through the plugs without tearing them, but it can be done. I even have a pair connected with very small elastic cord, like an itty bitty bungie. Like a spring strap for my proplugs.
pinkladydi
Guest
a previous dive buddy used them and after he started using them he had many ear infections, which he never had previously, so I atttribute that to improper cleaning on them at the end of the dive day, be for-warned
Diane
Diane
I sometimes have difficulty equalizing. I have never had ear infections as far back as my memory goes. I tried the pro plugs in the St Lawrence and left them in in-between dives and came back last year with rip roaring ear infections in both ears. Not sure if it was schmutz in the St Lawrence River, lack of ventilation in between dives, or the pro plugs themselves. I did not notice any marked improvement in clearing when I wore the proplugs. Never used them again. No ear infections all year diving. Went back to St Lawrence this year, it was colder, wore my hood in between dives, so again no ventilation, came back with infection in ears, but much less painful than the last year. Can confirm the cause, but my take on the pro-plugs is that at a minimum, they did not help me clear, no difference there. But, we are all individuals, so what works/does not work for one may work for another.
Donna
Donna
Similar threads
