Could this ear thing prevent me from diving?

[bigoledude]

My best friend in high school was a lifeguard. I used his scuba gear but, down past 10 feet or so, my ears would hurt really bad. I would try everything my friend told me to do, to equalize. I'm hoping there are now better equalizing techniques than what existed way back 40 years ago.

I have always, all my life, had some congestion in my sinuses. It seems that one nostril or the other is always stopped-up. Is it possible that some people just cannot dive due to sinus trouble? Or, is there usually a solution so everyone can enjoy diving?

Just bought a "Neti Pot". I've read where some guys had there sinus' drilled and, some use decongestants. I'd pretty much do whatever it takes.

I'm getting ready to spend some money on fins, mask, snorkel, pneumatic gun etc... Not to mention how awful it would be if I can't get out there with my 4 sons.

Ray

 

[vali]

if your sinusees are obtured you cannot perform the equalization, and you will experience some ears payne...and definitly you cannot dive
the valsalva technique is good now as it was 40 yars ago, but with the sinusses filled with mucus or obtured in any other way, cannot be performed

 

[podge]

Have a word with your doctor and see if there’s an actual squeezing of the nasal passage or if its just blocked with mucus? If you do have overly tight nasal passages then yes there is a surgical option.
Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[DeepThought]

There could be more elemental issues that you're missing, rather than physiological.
For example, your first equalization should be at the surface, not at 10ft. You should start by equalizing as frequently as possible (even every 1-2ft). Never force an equalization, always stop descending if you fail to equalize/feel pressure/pain - just go up and try again. There could be issues due to bad technique, such as head position...
First of all, I think that you should focus on what your problems is, from your post it's not clear if it's a sinus issue or an ear issue.
After that, use the search function for 'frenzel' or 'frenzel fattah' for a post or a document (plenty of those here) that explain step by step how to learn the frenzel technique, many say that it is more efficient than valsalva once you master it.

Good luck & don't give up.

 

[Fondueset]

Hey Ray,

I'll add this - get to know your Eustachian tubes! You can usually hear them sort of click as you yawn. In my case I began with that feeling. You can practice opening and closing them after awhile - when breathing makes sort of a roaring sound in your ears they are open. You can begin to control the muscles that open and close them. They are sealed by mucous - which is what makes the 'clicking' sound.

Equalizing frequently is very important - otherwise you have to use too much force. Your ears should absolutely never hurt. On a 30 foot dive I equalize easily 5 or 6 or more times.

Sinuses are another matter - often both can be helped with diet - but never allow pain.

 

[FreeRestriction]

also you could practice equalizing out of the water... when i first learned of equalization and was told to try it out of the water, it took me a little time to get it right even out of the water. so immediatly trying it at 10ft will be very hard being you skipped like three equalizations. i beleive if you can easily do it out of water then youll be able to do it in the water. assuming you dont wait till 10ft to try to equalize.

 

[salibandy]

If unresolved, yes, it will probably keep you out of the water.

Do see an ENT specialist as everyone has suggested. It'll do you good.

I too have sinus issues inherited from my father, and so does my little sis. However, we still scuba (and I freedive) with blocked noses. I don't know how I manage to do it, but somehow it works out. Of course some of the times it doesn't work, but that's once in a while. Then I'd take decongestants to clear them.