Equalisation Problems

Question
QUESTION: Please can you advise me what options are available to me for helping with ear problems ?  I am trying to complete my open water course but unable to get below 4.5m due to the pain and problems of being unable to equalise the pressure in my ears. It is becoming very frustrating.

Thanks alot

ANSWER: Hello Sarah, First of all, have you discussed your problem with your dive instructor?...if you haven't, i would suggest you do so. The most successful methods of equalizing ear pressure are: swallowing,yawning,or a GENTLE blowing against a closed mouth and nostrils. Forceful blowing should NEVER be done,because if a relative negative middle ear pressure already exists, you run the risk of rupturing the round/oval window, in your ears.What you are experiencing is a mild case of inner ear barotrauma, caused by inadequate pressure equalization between the middle ear, and the water you are surrounded by. Check to make sure you have no excessive ear wax in your ears, and that if you are wearing a wet-suit "Hoodie", that it is NOT tight on your head. Make sure that you are descending feet first, because it is easier to equalize the middle ear in the upright position, because the drainage is more effective. Middle ear clearing should start early in your descent,and continue actively, and conscientiously,all the way down.(don't wait until you are 10 or 15 feet down to start!)You need to stop at your problem depth..(4.5m)and try to clear your ears, before you continue downward.Failure to do so will lead to more complicated and serious problems, which i won't get into at this time.If you practice the above tips that i have mentioned, you should have no problems clearing your ears on future dives. If you still have ear clearing problems, then you might consider getting a complete Otological (Ear) exam,from your Doctor, but hopefully this won't be required. I hope this answers your question. Cheers, Gary

    Remember..."Plan your dive...Dive your Plan"

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Gary for your answer but I have to say that I have done all of that and my dive instructor is fully aware of my problem.  Could you tell me if there is anything out there that divers use ? Like special ear drops or any other means of clearing the ears.  I have been to see a diving doctor and he only found old scar tissue and recommended decongestant, which I took prior to my diving but did not help.

I am considering going to see an ENT specialist but would like to find a cheaper alternative first.

Thanks

Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah, Sorry to hear yhat you are still having ear clearing problems. It sounds like you need to visit a Ear/Nose/Throat specialist, but before you do, you might want to try drinking a lot of Hot Tea, prior to diving....(my good friend swears this helped him a lot). Have you tried putting your tongue on the top of your mouth and swallowing? It's worth a try also. If it is an Eustachian Tube blockage, you might ask your Doctor to give you a Proteolytic enzyme preparation, with Papin and Bromelain. It is also a very good remedy, but the ultimate determination has to be made by a E.N.T. Specialist. If you want to continue diving...and your problems still exist, then you really have no choice, but to make an appointment with a good ENT Doctor. Hope this info helps, and let me know how you made out. Thanks, Gary