Left ear doesn't equalize properly

[hezibuba]

I know how to do Frenzel, and my right ear equalizes very nicely, but i'm limited by my left ear.

When I come back up, my left ear hurts really bad because of reverse squeeze I think..

What could be the reasons for this?

Also my nostrils seems to be a bit tricky to breathe through.. But sometimes my right nostril is a little stuffed, and sometimes my left nostril... But it looks dry inside and when I try to blow my nose nothing comes up. Could that be related?

 

[Simos]

Have you been freediving for a while? It's very common for one ear to equalise but not the other at first, most people sort it out as they improve their technique and relaxation.

If you are just starting, apart from the above, it's worth working on strengthening the muscles of the e-tubes via 'tubular aerobics). Also before diving make sure you stretch well, especially jaw and neck...

 

[dimitris33]

The one time nostril stuffed and the other and vice versa its called nasal circle and it is a normal biological condition which takes place every 3-4 hours depending on person. Nothing to worry about. Try to dive when your left nostril is open. Due to the nasal circle if your left ear is the "difficult" one the nasal circle will make it worst when your left nostril is stuffed. Lie on your right side for 5-10 minutes before you dive until the nasal circle changes and free your left nostril. Then go dive.

I have the same problem as yours but the above it not a major solution but it helps a little. Mine is because of chronic rhinitis which for some reason blocks my left ear mostly rather than my left. Of course if I stretch properly like Simos said things get better. The MORE you dive the more it gets better. Also, if you tilt your head at the opposite direction, in your case at the right, during descent this will help you a lot.

Just remember, NEVER force equilization.

 

[hezibuba]

I really am a freediving beginner, probably not used to speed of descent.

Simos, what are tubular aerobics?
dimitris33, thank you I'll try that once my ear heals and after I get checked by a doctor for anything else. My brother and i think my mother had polyps so maybe it runs in the family.

 

[Simos]

Tubular aerobics is just a fancy term for some basic exercises to strengthen the e-tube muscles. Basically once you work out how to use those muscles, you need to practice several times a day opening them. You'll notice at first your left ear will probably not be opening properly but a few weeks later it will start working...

Once you get it, it's still a good idea to do the exercises year round anyway

 

[MartinTee]

Have you been freediving for a while? It's very common for one ear to equalise but not the other at first, most people sort it out as they improve their technique and relaxation.

If you are just starting, apart from the above, it's worth working on strengthening the muscles of the e-tubes via 'tubular aerobics). Also before diving make sure you stretch well, especially jaw and neck...

Cheers Simos, I have this problem too and now dive in a 6m diving pool just to get more time at depth. The main thing I realised from another diver is to relax, I then magically had no problems equalising head down for a few metres. Never thought of doing neck and jaw stretching though, thats what im thanking you for, i'll include them in my routine!

Also, as a note, feet down first I have no problems equalising at all, so there is hope for me yet

 

[Simos]

Cheers Simos, I have this problem too and now dive in a 6m diving pool just to get more time at depth. The main thing I realised from another diver is to relax, I then magically had no problems equalising head down for a few metres. Never thought of doing neck and jaw stretching though, thats what im thanking you for, i'll include them in my routine!

Also, as a note, feet down first I have no problems equalising at all, so there is hope for me yet

Hey Martin - I wouldn't worry, the vast majority of people have no 'physical' issues with equalisation, it's just a question of relaxation and technique most of the time.

Neck and jaw stretches do really help.

How are you equalising by the way? (what method)

 

[MartinTee]

Hey Simos,

Luckily I know a guy from up north who has taken three years to sort his ears out but he's done it. Relaxation seems to be the key for me at the mo as I've been in the highlands diving for the past 4 days and today I had a bit of a breakthrough! It's only about 8m deep but I've managed to go down head first (which is my problem) and equalise a couple of times. I just relaxed more than I usually do on the surface and moved my head around more to get things working.

I've been using Valsalva (The one where you push air out with a pinched nose). Don't know why because I can do Frenzel as well.

Also, what type of neck and jaw stretches? Are you on about during the equalisation or before? I'm guessing both should help.

 

[MartinTee]

I also have access to a 5.5m deep diving pool in Leeds so should really use it for things like this I think [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ-K5zsm0xc]Stage on Equalization Techniques for Freediving - Stage sulle Tecniche di Compensazione per l'Apnea - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Simos]

It took me a couple of years too to find a way to equalise - my right ear would just not clear. Two years is misleading though if you only do 5-10 days of proper diving (depth) a year - not exactly enough!

In the end I gave up completely with trying using Valsava, took what little I had success with, worked with it and coupled with more relaxation I came up with something that works to me for the depths I dive to.

I'd drop Valsava if I were you - even if you manage, you'll have to ditch it later on probably so you might be better off using something like Frenzel from the start.

Neck/jaw stretches: I am talking before you get into the water. Stretch your jaw by moving the lower part in all directions: left, right, back, front, open etc.

also play particular importance to your posture as you dive (spine and head in neutral position, don't look down or arch your back, relaxed shoulders and neck) and pre-equalise on the surface. Make sure you get the first few equalisations in the first couple of meters, make your duck dive less aggressive if you need to at first - gentle does it ;-)

 

[MartinTee]

It took me a couple of years too to find a way to equalise - my right ear would just not clear. Two years is misleading though if you only do 5-10 days of proper diving (depth) a year - not exactly enough!

In the end I gave up completely with trying using Valsava, took what little I had success with, worked with it and coupled with more relaxation I came up with something that works to me for the depths I dive to.

I'd drop Valsava if I were you - even if you manage, you'll have to ditch it later on probably so you might be better off using something like Frenzel from the start.

Neck/jaw stretches: I am talking before you get into the water. Stretch your jaw by moving the lower part in all directions: left, right, back, front, open etc.

also play particular importance to your posture as you dive (spine and head in neutral position, don't look down or arch your back, relaxed shoulders and neck) and pre-equalise on the surface. Make sure you get the first few equalisations in the first couple of meters, make your duck dive less aggressive if you need to at first - gentle does it ;-)

It all clicked yesterday Simos!! Approximately 6 months after doing my first depth dive in Capenwray. Repeatedly got down to 6m deep head first and my left ear equalised at the same time, if not before my right :friday

I was so relaxed! I had been surfing for an hour before it as the weather was creating 4+ foot surf and when I say surfing, I mean getting smashed about haha. Anyway, went out for 30 mins, couldn't see much but I know the waters around here now and knew I was above sand (There's a lot of kep here and other seaweed) and went down and i cleared instantly and then another two times going down to the depth, didn't have to force it or anything. Head was down, I was relaxed and I was pretty much vertical Couldn't believe it so went straight back up and repeated a few more times and I think I now have it! Months of diving in a 5.5m pool, training at the uk depth comp and standing on my head upside down in bed seems to have payed off!

 

[Simos]

It all clicked yesterday Simos!! Approximately 6 months after doing my first depth dive in Capenwray. Repeatedly got down to 6m deep head first and my left ear equalised at the same time, if not before my right :friday

I was so relaxed! I had been surfing for an hour before it as the weather was creating 4+ foot surf and when I say surfing, I mean getting smashed about haha. Anyway, went out for 30 mins, couldn't see much but I know the waters around here now and knew I was above sand (There's a lot of kep here and other seaweed) and went down and i cleared instantly and then another two times going down to the depth, didn't have to force it or anything. Head was down, I was relaxed and I was pretty much vertical Couldn't believe it so went straight back up and repeated a few more times and I think I now have it! Months of diving in a 5.5m pool, training at the uk depth comp and standing on my head upside down in bed seems to have payed off!

Fantastic - well done! It feels so good when you get it doesn't it? :friday

 

[MartinTee]

Fantastic - well done! It feels so good when you get it doesn't it? :friday

Seeing the ocean floor above me instead of below me, is something i'll never forget.

 

[Ms Mer]

Am glad I found this thread. Did my first dive in the sea yesterday and had some problems equalising too and will try out the exercises and posture tips.

 

[Simos]

Good luck, it takes a bit of time. Let us know if you are stuck

 

[MartinTee]

Am glad I found this thread. Did my first dive in the sea yesterday and had some problems equalising too and will try out the exercises and posture tips.

Good luck Ms Mer!

I have gotten it to a stage now were when I'm going down in to deep pools im equalising hands free. So be prepared to bear with it and you'll reap the rewards.

If you want any more info, just ask.

 

[Ms Mer]

Cheers Simos and MartinTee. Been to the dr today who said there is blood and stuff behinid my eardrum. The eardrum is not burst (thankfully!) but something has gone on that has affected it and the small bone is has moved slightly, indicating the pressure build up behind the ear. He said that I must avoid any diving for a few weeks til they have cleared. Then when I start back I need to take it easy and just do shallow dives until I am sure all is working probably and I'm equalising correctly before increasing the depth gradually. My ears are still crackling and popping a bit as they are gradually clearing.

he was not greatly impressed by the drops. But said that might work if the ear canal is blocked but won't do anything if there is stuff behind the eardrum. The stinging sensation would have been the alcohol coming into contact with whatever behind the eardrum that was bleeding.

If anyone else has had a similar problem I would be interested to hear (excuse the pun!) how long it took to heal and what I might need to do in future - equalise properly and consistently being the main one. I don't know how much pressure to use when trying to equalise at depth and because I am completely new to depth, am still learning what works for me, what it should feel like. It just seems to be so much harder under water than on the surface.

 

[Simos]

How do you equalise? Valsava? If yes, the very first thing to do is NOT use valsava and start learning another method.

 

[Ms Mer]

How do you equalise? Valsava? If yes, the very first thing to do is NOT use valsava and start learning another method.

I try to do Frenzel as I prefer that. But when it comes to equalising once I'm in the water and inverted, thats when it gets hard for me to equalise properly. I think on the first 2 dives I was rushing it and not equalising on the surface properly. The 3rd dive I took my time and eqaulised before my duck dive and tried to keep it going all the way down. I think it was the first dive that hurt it.

I can equalise in both ears still - hopefully this is a good sign.

 

[Azrael3000]

Since I am a beginner myself I can tell you what helped me during my first dives in case you make the same mistakes as I did.

So regarding pressure, don't use too much, it should go rather easy. Additionally don't wait for pressure too build up, whenever you feel the pressure you should have equalised a few seconds ago. So basically, equalise often (especially during the first 10 meters) and without force. As you did, equalising before the duck dive is very important, although it is something I still need to get used to. But if you do it, you won't run into troubles with having to equalise during your duck dive.