[immerlustig]

AB Diver

What you experienced is called a 'reverse block'. Reverse Block or reverse squeeze results when an airspace is equalized on the descent, but air fails to exit on the ascent. Affected airspaces are the middle ear, sinuses and in some cases teeth with bad fillings.

Often this happens when one has a cold. Also some people notice that towards the end of a long diving session equalising becomes more difficult as well.

i don't think that a tight hood is responsible for a reverse block. it can only cause problems during descent because the middle ear is equalised together with the sinuses, but the outer ear is not because the hood prevents water to get to the eardrum. eventually the eardrum will bend outwards. some people make little holes into the hood where the ears are to allow water to enter the outer ear.

Ascending slowly is difficult, obviously, but in my experience a reverse block builds up over time. equalising during descent might not be as easy as normal or i am a little congested. that's the (latest) time when i finish my dive session.


regards

roland