Diving with "bad ears," typically meaning difficulty equalizing pressure, requires careful planning and specific techniques to avoid injury. Here's how to approach diving when you have ear issues:
Understanding the Problem: Ear Equalization
The primary concern when diving with "bad ears" is the ability to equalize the pressure in your middle ear with the surrounding water pressure. Failure to equalize can lead to barotrauma (ear squeeze), a painful and potentially damaging condition.
Assessment and Preparation
- Consult an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor: Before diving, get a thorough examination to identify any underlying issues like Eustachian tube dysfunction, allergies, or infections. They can offer personalized advice.
- Treat underlying conditions: Address any allergies, congestion, or infections before diving. Decongestants (use with caution and under medical advice due to potential side effects) can sometimes help open the Eustachian tubes, but avoid using them regularly or relying on them.
- Practice equalization techniques on land: Master various equalization methods before getting in the water.
Equalization Techniques
Here are several techniques you can use:
- Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow. Avoid forceful blowing, as this can be harmful. This is often the first technique taught, but it can be less effective for some people.
- Frenzel Maneuver: This is a more advanced technique involving using your tongue and throat muscles to create pressure. It's often more effective and less forceful than Valsalva. Learning this maneuver often requires practice and instruction from experienced divers or instructors.
- Toynbee Maneuver: Pinch your nose and swallow. This technique is effective for equalizing during ascent.
- Voluntary Tubal Opening: Some people can consciously open their Eustachian tubes by tensing the muscles of the soft palate and throat.
- Lowry Technique: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently try to blow while swallowing.
- Edmonds Technique: Push the jaw forward and perform a Valsalva or Frenzel maneuver.
Important Considerations:
- Start early: Begin equalizing before you descend and continue to equalize frequently during your descent.
- Descend slowly: Give your ears time to adjust to the pressure changes. If you feel pain or pressure, stop descending immediately and ascend slightly until the discomfort subsides, then try equalizing again.
- Look up: Tilting your head upwards during descent can sometimes help open the Eustachian tubes.
- Avoid diving when congested: If you have a cold, allergies, or any other condition that causes congestion, postpone your dive.
- Don't force it: If you can't equalize, do not force it. Ascend slowly. Continuing to descend when you can't equalize can cause serious ear damage.
- Consider earplugs with equalization: Special vented earplugs allow for slow and gradual equalization of the ear canal, which can be beneficial for some individuals.
- Dive with an experienced buddy: Let your dive buddy know about your ear issues so they can be aware and assist if needed.
- Stay shallow: Limit your depth to reduce the pressure on your ears. As your comfort and equalization ability improves, you can gradually increase your depth.
When to Stop Diving
If you experience any of the following, discontinue diving and seek medical attention:
- Severe ear pain
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Fluid discharge from the ear
Diving with ear problems requires extra caution and responsibility. Always prioritize your safety and consult with medical professionals to ensure you are diving safely.
