Equalisation problem

misterlizard

Tom Arnold

Oct 11, 2002

599

130

133

43

• Apr 30, 2011

• #1

I was out hunting yesterday when I suddenly found I couldn't equalise my left ear below about 2m. Earlier in the evening I had no problem reaching 8m, and I have previously dived to just over 30m without any equalisation problems. I have noticed that I have a bit of a cold today and am a little bit bunged up, but that doesn't usually make too much difference.
Is there anything you can do to clear an ear that just won't go via the usual methods? Generally I equalize just using the muscles in my throat (or wherever they are) and sometimes I help it along by the old pinch-the-nose-and-blow method (don't know the tech jargon I'm afraid) and that has always worked in the past.

 

N

Nikodk

Active Member

Nov 21, 2010

28

1

38

• Apr 30, 2011

• #2

I have got the same problem, but since I have started nose washing not long ago, it seems to have solved my problem. Since I havnt done it for a long time yet it could be a coincident

 

Last edited: May 1, 2011

Simos

Well-Known Member

Feb 15, 2009

1,986

129

168

• May 1, 2011

• #3

That happens to most from time to time Tom - best thing is just call it a day when that happens. Not that much you can do when you are in the water and your ear won't clear. Try holding your nose and swallowing next time it happens, it might help a bit. Also, try equalising on the surface just before you dive. But in general, best not to push it and just call it a day...
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Reactions: misterlizard

podge

Always Hungry

May 16, 2006

6,225

1,655

403

56

• May 1, 2011

• #4

Tom, I get the same thing after about 45mins to an hour on most dive days.
I lift my mask and give it the sea water up the nose and a few sniff and spit cycles followed by a sea water mouth rinse, I have no idea why it works, (probably something to do with the nasal passages and eustation tubes) but it works for me.

 

Reactions: misterlizard

Simos

Well-Known Member

Feb 15, 2009

1,986

129

168

• May 1, 2011

• #5

Interesting Podge, will give it a try when I have issues next although I suspect not going to work in a lake

Were you cold in the water by any chance Tom? If yes it might help if you use a thicker suit or some extra insulation.

Also, I know it's probably obvious but make sure there is no trapped air between the hood and your ear. Try letting a bit of water in your hood next time you have an issue and see if it helps (if it does it might be worth making a tiny hole in your hood where the ears are..)
Posted via Mobile Device

 

G

GiantSquid

Member

May 15, 2011

15

0

11

• May 15, 2011

• #6

My right ear does the same thing when diving a lot in one day. The only thing I've found is to use the "hold nose and blow" method above the water and then with almost every breath on the way down. It seems like as long as the pressure difference is gradual and small, I don't have a problem. Give it a shot. This usually works for me when it locks up and just doesn't want to clear at depth.