left ear more difficult to equalize then right ear

[tim_a]

Hello everybody,

I'm a beginner in free-diving and i am trying to learn "the frenzel technique". I practice it every day but i have problems to equalize my left ear... Is this normal that one ear is more difficult then the other or do i have to go to a a doctor to check my tubes or will it go away with practicing.

Sometimes they both equalize but most of the time it's only my right ear that "pops"...

 

[blueface]

I have the same problem with my right ear. What I've learned is that equalizing early and often is the trick. If you are diving in cold water it may complicate matters. If I have a problem then I use a nasal spray that will dialate the eustachian tube. It's not a good idea to use it every time as your body will get used to it and sooner or later it may not have a positive effect.

What you can also try is to take water into the nostrils and equalize. The liquid seems to loosen the mucus up and then I can clear better. If it is swelling then I don't think this will work. Cold water in the nostrils is probably a bad idea but I've never tried it.

Good Luck!

 

[whiteminiman]

I definitely agree with blueface about EQ early and often.

I too have one ear that is less keen to EQ than the other. Just stick at it.... hopefully things will improve!

 

[tim_a]

Just practiced a few times in the pool and in the pool it's going better. Hopefully it will disappear with lots of training... Thanks everybody for your reply.

 

[Bill]

I have the same problem. Try different head positions. Right now my ears are plugged a little from yesterday's diving and the volcano. If I sit up straight the right ear will clear first and if I lean my head to the right, the left ear will clear first. It helped yesterday when the left ear was sticky at 45 meters. Another trick is to loosen up the E tubes before diving by pulling in on the ear drums and pushing them out several times. If you haven't done this, you can pull in by inhaling through the nose with a mask or nose clip on or just pinch your nose, close your mouth and swallow. Pushing out is just like clearing your ears with a little pressure.