Am I normal ???
We are not normal. We are divers.
Right Side Equalizes before Left Side?
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We are not normal. We are divers.
Stoo
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Sad isn't it....
People are never exactly "symmetrical", so odds are, the construction of your one ear and Eustachian tube is likely somewhat different than the other. You need to learn to work with this and be cautious about your clearing. As others have pointed out, there could be any number of reasons for the problem clearing that ear.
Be extremely cautious about "hard" clearing. Mrs. Stoo suffers form a similar problem as you do and she managed to burst an ear drum a week ago in Belize, which ruined her vacation and resulted in a massive infection which has taken two weeks and three rounds of antibiotics to clear up.
A trip to an ENT specialist would likely be beneficial, especially if they dive. DAN might be able to refer you to someone...
Good luck!
Dhboner
Contributor
My right ear clears easily and quickly using the Valsalva...my left ear NEVER clears with the Valsalva. I can usually clear the left ear by thrusting my chin forward or yawning. Sometimes I have to take my regulator out of my mouth momentarily to help.
My ENT told me that the "architecture" of my left ear is likely different from my right ear (very common).
Like others have said...start equalizing on the surface (I actually start in the car on the way to a dive). Descending feet first (when you can) makes equalizing a bit easier as well.
Good luck!
Bob
My ENT told me that the "architecture" of my left ear is likely different from my right ear (very common).
Like others have said...start equalizing on the surface (I actually start in the car on the way to a dive). Descending feet first (when you can) makes equalizing a bit easier as well.
Good luck!
Bob
Fourseventeen
Contributor
I personally have both of these issues. My right clears fairly easily most of the time and my left is a pain. once I get it cleared up between the surface and about 15-20 feet im good for the rest of the dive....until I am ascending. On ascent I also get a little dizzy when I am nearing the surface...usually within a 5-10 feet of hitting the surface. I will get real dizzy to the point of almost losing my lunch. It only lasts a few seconds fortunately but it sure is annoying! I know I get sea sick real easily (yet I love the ocean go figure). On ascent I feel the change of pressure in my airs and even for days after I dive I still feel the sensation of water crackling around in my ears...even after using swimmers ear.
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