pool dive - ear pressure

[aric_taylor]

THis isnt exactly on the scuba topic, but I have an upcoming pool test which I must pass inorder to be hired by the city at the public pool. One part of the test requires diving down 5Meters (16.4 feet) and pulling up a 20 lbs manikin which is hollow and equals about 80 lbs as the water flows thorugh it, creating drag.

I have attempted to do some practice attemps on my own time before this test and always end up with a build up of ear pressure and the feeling my ears are going to pop as I near the bottom. Are there any effective techniques I could use to equalize the pressure on my way down?

 

[roy_nexus_6]

Aric,
check out this link:
Eric Fattah has created a comprehensive document about equalizing ears at depth.
May as well start by doing this right.

http://www.liquivision.ca/frenzel.doc

 

[efattah]

Diving to 5 meters WITHOUT equalizing your ears could cause your eardrums to rupture; this causes, among other things, a permanent 5% loss in hearing for life.

If your ears begin to hurt, TURN AROUND. Don't go any deeper. Don't ignore the pain.

Once you learn to equalize, your ears won't hurt.

However, if you must swim to 5 meters without a mask or nose clip, I strongly recommend pinching your nose the whole way down to prevent water from getting into your sinuses. If you get water into your nose, and then try to equalize your ears, you could force chlorine water into your inner ears, causing extreme pain and complications. Instead, pinch your nose with one hand during the entire swim down; swim with your legs and your free arm. On the ascent you are free to use both arms and let go of your nose.

Good luck!