Ear equalization

[Les]

I have also had many problems with my ears.My family has a history of ear aches and infections.I am the only one that dives.I had to adapt to a number of equalizing techniques
to overcome my problem.It turned out that I have different sized eustation tubes so one will equalize easier than the other.I tried yawning,swallowing,but what worked for me was tilting my head to one side to keep the sinus inline.I also have nasal congestion due to various teenage nose breaks and corrective surgeries.I find that a sinus medication shortly before a dive helps but I listen to my body.I don't take just because I can.Only if I feel stuffy.I used to have
problems decsending feet first.I would find any way to head first but with practice I can drop with comfort, tending to equalize more often but not too hard!!After the first 30' I hardly notice that I am doing it.I do brathe out of my nose occasionally,mostly to clear my mask.I have also tried ear drops.Would get water trapped at the ear drum and would feel dopey after a dive.Solution:alcohol and mineral oil. One dries out any moisture,the other lubricates the inner ear.Hope I have added some useful info. Les

 

[Diving Dragon]

My left ear doesn't like doing what my right ear does. When I was taking the dive class I'd equilize my ears, and the right would go easly. But, the left would be stubborn. When it did go, it would hurt. I'm just wondering if anyone else has this problem. I am a new diver. I'm also hoping it'll clear itself up.

 

[greg somers]

Dear Jimminy,
Under no circumstances are you to put any type of plug in your ears.Get medical help for your infections and do not dive until you have medical clearance.If you go under with ear plugs than the external water pressure can force those suckers right into your head.Yuck! very messy.It's not advisable.May I suggest you find a doctor who is a diving specialist and is up to date with all the latest meds and info on how they affect the diver.Most doctors are not diving aware and only spend on average 1-2 days on training on diving related medicine and hyperbaric training during their medical training.Check with the instructors that are training you and they should confirm what I say.If anyone tells you otherwise then search for wisdom elsewhere because you alone are responsible for your own health.
I'm glad you asked the question and didn't just go ahead and do it.See ya Buzz.The gasman

 

[cherinere]

We have been using the alchol mix, where do you get your product and is it a over the counter or presc.? Please let me know we dive in a week and would like to get some to bring with us.

 

[scubanole]

The stuff i use is Star-otic. It is over the counter and you can usually get it at most drug stores. Hope it helps.

 

[HMan]

There is a review in the May issue of Sport Diver Magazine addressing the equalization benefits of the ProEar 2000 mask, check it out.

 

[jackiemize]

Your not going to beleive this.
I to had trouble during my cert. and ended up with a hole in my ear. I got virtigo so bad I did not know which way was up and my instructor had to get me to the surface. The doctor I went to said it would heal in a couple of weeks but no more scuba.. I have an appointment with a Diver ENT next month for a second opinion.. I hope he will tell me its ok so my instructor will allow me to finish..Its great to find someone else this has happened to..Please email me

jackiemize@pulse.net

 

[JR#97]

That's happened to me twice. Once water skiing and once on my first pool dive. I didn't get the vertigo on my pool dive. I gave it a month and finished my pool dives and tomorrow I'm doing my open water cert. I'm going to take it way slow and be way cautious. Hopefully you'll get the green light to continue! And hopefully I won't be another statistic tomorrow!

 

[jackiemize]

I think I was just really nervous. The second dive, the water was really merky and I couldnt seem to catch my breathe. I just hope the doc says my ear is ok to dive.. Good luck on certification. All I have left to get mine is the last 30 min. dive which is the fun dive where I lead the instructor. Have fun and good luck..

 

[gregor]

Originally posted by jimineycricket
like if you know if you read my other post im not certified yet so i know very little about diving.

i do get ear infections sometimes. will i have to buy a mask like the pro ear 2000.

i was thinking i could use something like the wax earplugs to keep the water out of my ears. would that work or would it cause problems???

jim

well, i cannot say anything about the pro ear 2000 since i don't know it, but i've seen a similar mask, and the main benefit is that your ear stays dry (preventing an ear-infection).

well, imho you can prevent an earinfection in that way that you just rinse your ears carefully with freshwater from the tub / shower after *every* dive as soon as possible - this works fine for me and i never had any probs except sometime some freshwater left in my ears for some hours.

some guys recommend - as you read - a combination of vinegar / alcohol.

you also wrote about earplugs: NEVER (!) use those because using them means that you won't be able to equalize!! when you're taking the course, you're divemaster will explain you this in one of the first sessions.

hope that helps!

gregor