Ear problems.

[johnnybuoy]

Hi everyone. Hoping to get some feedback on this problem I'm having. I'm diving 12 years now and it happens only freediving and only as recently as 2 years ago.
Basically after my 9/10th dive my left ear wont equalise. Always the left. I find myself getting reverse blockage on ascent too. Any ides why it happens half way through a dive session? Could it be wax or the fact that my hood is open cell and not allowing proper equalisation?
Hope somebody can help as its driving me mad!!!

 

[monkeyhatfork]

could be that one ear has gotten sensitive and inflames after a bit in the water as u say your fine the first few dives in which case u could try taking an anti infamitory. wondering tho 12 years in cold water sounds ripe for surfers ear in which case surgery would be needed to clear away bone growth

 

[johnnybuoy]

Thanks for the reply. Had my ears checked recently but there clear!

 

[monkeyhatfork]

I know in my case my ears are very sensitive and will inflame at the slightest error or if i ride them the tiniest bit(only the right side) i suspect its do to lack of experience as i was primarily a pool guy but now that is am in the ocean everyday I've improved allot on my equalizing but had it happen the other day my ears were a bit sticky(sinuses) and i pushed a bit deeper than they wanted to go to get a photo it irritated my right ear and inflammation immediately limited my depth to 25ft the rest of the day when i had been hitting bottom all morning(not crazy deep that site maxed out at 50ft). Thats obviously not you're case with 12 years diving. I'm assuming u have earholes poked in you're hood to prevent suit squeeze?

 

[johnnybuoy]

No I've never put ear holes in. Just at the top of the hood to leave air out. Never felt the need. Could be the problem but surely if it was I'd be having trouble with both ears.....

 

[Simos]

I'd guess that your ear muscles start getting tired or you are not fully equalising and riding your ears a little during those first dives and your inner ear swells a bit and/or fluid is released that builds up leading to the problems you face. Your left ear is probably your 'weak' one (narrower tube?) when it comes to EQ so it goes first.

 

[johnnybuoy]

Cheers guys. I'm definitely equalising properly. Been at it a while. I find it very easy to equalise normally. Usually don't need to squeeze my nose, just move my jaw. But lately it's been difficult on my left ear. Must get a doctor to have a look again.