Equalizing while scuba diving?

Question

I am just learning how to dive, after tonite I should be certified. The last 2 times I dove, I had a terrible time equalizing my ears. They are still popped and cracking from my dive last night. I even had to ascend right away last night because of the pressure, wait a minute and descend again. I had a hoodie on so I let water in to help me equalize. I also pinched my nose every couple feet as I descended. I know you can also wiggle your jaw. Are there any other tricks. The pain and pressure I felt really takes away from the fun of diving!! My ears are still popping and cracking this morning and I am supposed to do my final check-dive in 10 hours! Thanks.

Answer 1

i used to carry a small bottle of sudafeds when i went diving.  take a couple before the dive and it helps keep your tubes open so you can equalize easier.  sudafeds are regulated now but you can still get something like them over the counter.

Answer 2

Stay clear of chemical based decongestants!!!! They cause what's called rebound. They'll work fine for the first little bit and then they'll actually cause your sinus passages to block making equalizing pretty difficult, if not impossible. If you must use something, use a saline based nasal spray. There's zero rebound and will work for an entire dive, perhaps two with no issue. You can find it in the drug store, next to the chemical based decongestant sprays. Cheaper too.

If there's no real medical issue here, chances are, you're leaving your equalizing a little late. You need to start doing it BEFORE you feel discomfort. Doing it, feeling discomfort and continuing a descent won't cut it. The tubes are already collapsing or blocked, making your attempt futile and possibly damaging if you force it. Just take it easy. There's no race to hit the bottom. As soon as you feel something coming on, stop, equalize, continue. If you feel discomfort, come back up a bit and try again. If it's still not working abort the dive. No shame in that and it beats having a sinus head ache that lasts for hours maing the rest of your day miserable.

You ought to be talking this through with your instructor too. That's what he/ she is there for.

Answer 3

You should be able to equalize your ears every ten feet or so of depth (or however often you like) by pinching your nose, closing your mounth, and gently blowing air. The air can't come out your nose or mouth, so goes into your ear canals to equalize the pressure from the water on the other  side of your eardrums.

Once I tried to dive when I had a cold and was unable to do it. Had to go back to the surface and not dive that day. If you have trouble with congestion you will have trouble clearing your ears. A nasal spray or (non drowsy) decongestant might help with this. As with all medicines, if you're not familiar get advice from a doctor before you take it, not a nobody like myself.

Answer 4

good job, mate! what? in australia, good job is good. its like what you americans call...wait...oh yeah... congatlations!

Answer 5

i am an advanced diver and i always  have trouble with this. i try swallowing really hard. if that doesn't worked try popping them every few feet that also works for me. i had  a problem with this in cyamn brac and i didn't pop my ears big mistake so try ever thing or stop pop then go down stop then pop and go down hope that helps and good luck today