equalizing

Question
hey i have a problem with equalizing on land about 95 percent my right ear pops but under water my right almost never pops i been to a docter and they told me to take nasonex and claritin.my left ear always pops can you help me with this? thanks

Answer
Hi Zak,

I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems equalizing.  From the information you provided in your question, I think the problem is in the physical structure of your ear, specifically in the eustachian tube of your right ear.  I'm not a doctor so I cannot give you medical advice but we've dealt with this problem before and I can give you the benefit of what we've done to help.

If you're not congested, then I would hesitate to use the drugs you've mentioned.  Some drugs can have unexpected side-effects when used under the water pressure of diving.  You certainly don't want to get sleepy or encounter other drug related problems while you're underwater.

We've had good success with a fenistrated earplug.  This earplug has a very small hole in it (fenistration) to permit the pressure to equalize on both sides of the plug.  This is necessary to prevent the water pressure from forcing the earplug deep into your ear and causing injury.  I don't normally recommend a brand but I only know of one company that makes this type of earplug.  Doc's Pro Plugs is the line we carry in the shop.  It comes in several sizes and must be carefully fitted to ensure you have the right size.  They are inexpensive and easy to use.  Just make sure it HAS A HOLE IN THE PLUG.  Doc's also makes earplugs without holes and you don't want to use these.  You can locate a dealer near you by Googling "Doc's Pro Plugs".

This is how the earplug works:  As you descend, the small hole in the earplug will cause the pressure to build much more slowly against your eardrum and give you more time to equalize.  It has worked very well for a large number of divers with ear problems similar to yours.

Zak, I hope this information will help you to solve your equalization problems.

Sincerely,
Mike Giles
mikescuba.com