Under Pressure

[jonaslc]

Hello,

I seem to have a difficult time equlizing pressure when I am freediving. I never have a problem when I scuba but when I take off the bottle, the pressure seems to be much more intense and increases with every dive I make. It gets to a point where it seems impossible to equalize the pressure and begins to hurt my sinuses even in shollow waters. Can anyone explain to me what I am doing wrong? I have always used the Valsava technique and have read some of the threads about the Frenzel technique and I will be trying it but am skeptical about my abilities.

 

[naiad]

What is the problem, is it the ears, sinuses or mask?

 

[jonaslc]

The problem is my sinuses. The pressure builds up to a point that my teeth hurt and I cnnot possible continue.

 

[naiad]

Then it is sinus squeeze. Do a search for 'sinus squeeze' here on DB for advice on preventing it. If you are suffering from nasal or sinus congestion, treating the underlying condition should improve the problem.

Lucia

 

[jonaslc]

How come it is only when I free dive and never when I scuba?

 

[naiad]

I don't know about that, maybe the faster descent/ascent rate? Also there are many more descents/ascents in a session of freediving than scuba.

 

[deep thinker]

It mite be that while on scuba you have more air available to equilize with. But when freediving you have restricted supply of air so you mite actually try to preserve air or something to that like. In other words when freediving you dont equilise to your full extent. Also try equilising more often after you have you sinuses checked

 

[fflupo]

at what depth do you have the problem?
are you doing a first equalisation on the surface?
how often do you equalise every meter f.e.?

 

[jonaslc]

at what depth do you have the problem?
are you doing a first equalisation on the surface?
how often do you equalise every meter f.e.?

It usually starts at about 3 meters and after a few dives even 1 meter becomes intense. I try and equalize everytime I feel the pressure. Once again, It seems to be much more difficult to equalize while free diving versus scuba. I only equalize when I feel the pressure. I will try and equalize on the surface and see how that works out.

 

[fflupo]

have a look at this:
http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.asp?rid=789
and here is something to read:
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/MEbaro.html

may be it is although your state of relaxation?

 

[sanso]

Jonas,
You should equalise well before You can actually feel the pressure. As a rule of thumb: You can't equalize too often. So just equalize all the time for now, You will get a feel for it soon enough.

 

[James Jay]

Hi jonaslc

donmoore had started this post back in 2002 that covers alot of the differences and much more between scuba and freediving ear equaliation. I found it very helpfull. Be sure to read all of the posts that follow his lead in as he and others had some very informative and enlightning things to say on this subject. Great post.

Ear equalization myths (from scuba)