Ear aches

[bglaeser]

I've been having problems with ear aches the past few days and the problem is almost certainly related to diving. I've been diving to depths of 10 - 20 feet and almost never take the trouble to equalize the ear pressure/eustation tube thing. I don't think it is an ear infection.... can failure to equilbrate ear pressure at these relatively shallow depths lead to ear aches?

Brian

 

[trux]

Yes, of course, it can and it does. You should compensate even if you dive just 1m.

 

[bglaeser]

Thank you Truax. I went diving today and compensated each time I went under. However, I have another question. I plug my nose and "pressurize" when I go down. Is there anyway of "depressurizing" as you ascend, or do you just "depressurize" when you get to the surface? I was only able to do it once I got back to the surface.

~Brian

 

[jimqpublic]

Stop holding your nose as you ascend and the excess pressure will come out by itself. If you were to hold your nose and keep pressure on you could cause ear damage, just like if you don't equalize on the way down.

 

[bglaeser]

Oh. Ok. I already do that. Left hand on a rock to hold me down. Right hand on the trigger....

 

[Bill]

If you feel 'reverse' pressure on the way up the simple act of swallowing will probably relieve it.

 

[bglaeser]

Thanks. I'll give that a try too.

 

[jimqpublic]

Finally, a couple pinholes in your hood adjacent to your ear will prevent hood squeeze (caused by the hood sealing tight over your ear and creating a vacuum upon ascent. I found that just one hole wasn't enough because I don't always get the hood in the exact same position. Use a straightened paper clip heated in a flame to melt a small hole.

 

[bglaeser]

how deep do you usually have to go to experience hood squeeze? I don't think I've ever experienced that.

 

[jimqpublic]

It can be very shallow- even 5m (15 feet) is 1/2 atmosphere. It is only an issue if the hood can seal against your ear. If you have hair over your ears or a nylon lined wetsuit it won't be a problem. Also flooding the hood with water eliminates it.

 

[Pinggene]

Perhaps related to ear pain...

On a 55' dive this last weekend, I experienced a rather sharp pain in a very small spot in the middle of my forehead right above my eyes. This limited my depth. :vangry

Has anyone experienced this as well? What is it, & how can it be prevented. This was my personal best (new at this), but I was equalizing all the way down & taking my time.

Thanks for any input.

Gene

 

[Bill]

There are two large sinus cavities above the eyes. When you say the pain is sharper than ear pain, that is usually the cause. It is common to be able to dive to depths that require two or three ear clearings before a sinus problem becomes apparent.

 

[Pinggene]

Bill,

Anything that can be done? I equalized about 10 times down to 55'?

Thanks.

Gene

 

[Bill]

Gene
Sinuses almost stopped my diving and still do for a few months a year. For the first 25 yrs of diving, I didn't even know I had them. If it wasn't for these darn holes in my head, I could just hold my eustachian tubes open and dive. The list gets long in a hurry.
causes (avoid when possible);
viruses, smog, cow's milk, processed foods, chocolate, sugar, chemicals (cleaning, preservative, anything that ends in -sides), flowers, some fruit, wheat, peanuts, salts, bird dust, mice, etc.
remedies that I try;
air filter in bedroom, netti pot, papaya/pineapple combination, Afrin (?legal? but has zero side affects and FAA approved for pilots), Sudafed and mucous softeners.
First dive of the day is a one minute descent to 15 meters, turn up and stay there for a few more minutes. Sinuses often clear out the gunk on the way to the surface.
Good luck.

 

[cdavis]

Hi Gene,

Just saw this thread. Enjoyed diving with you and your family at Apaloosa.

Bill pretty well covered it. Given you have never had a problem before, those ideas should do the trick. You may never see the problem again, anyway. For sure, don't push if it shows up again. That can make it much harder, and longer, to get rid of. If the problem persists, go to the doc and get a few days worth of cortizone tablets. That is almost guaranteed to solve any swelling issue that would be blocking the sinus entrance.

Connor

 

[shoutatthesky]

@ Bill
I have been trying to find a neti pot without much success. Are there any ways to make your own - eg out of a drink bottle and some tubing. What sort of solution do you use? Do you make your own or do you buy a 'just add water' mix from the chemist/drugstore?