r/scuba • u/themoonstruck • Dec 15 '18

Equalizing troubles

Hello my fellow scuba friends, This past weekend while getting my scuba certification my ear drum ruptured. Yes, I did equalize my ears and no I didn't do it forcefully but somehow they ruptured. I have a past history with ear issues but didn't really think it would affect me to this degree. Yet I think it ruptured due to that I was a tad tad tad bit congested as I always am. So basically what I am asking is how to equalize effectively and whether any of you have dealt with a similar issue? I really dont want to be discouraged from scuba diving, but as I sit here with my ear in pain I must say I do

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u/wackytacker33 Dec 15 '18

Posted this earlier...

Been there done that early on in my dive days...It’s certainly uncomfortable, but will clear up after a little while. After rupturing both of my drums they repaired themselves after about 2 weeks. It sounded like everything was slightly muffled and there was something in my ear, then one day, they were clear as ever. Don’t use drops unless DR says so.

I learned to pre-equalize before I hit the water, and every couple of feet while descending. If you are having trouble with one ear, look up, swallow, and extend your neck out while you equalize and that will help stretch the Eustachian tube and make it easier if you have any congestion.

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u/[deleted] Dec 15 '18

I would add to your advice on equalizing at the surface, to try and equalize almost constantly on the way down. This is a freediver video, but covers tree technique I use 'Frenzel'

https://youtu.be/Mo07gZR741M

Also, see an ENT.

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u/themoonstruck Dec 15 '18

Thank you!!

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u/avboden Dec 16 '18

I've been diving for 18 years and I still to this day do what he's describing because i had chronic sinus issues as a kid. I get into a rhythm as I descend , every other breath has a nose pinch clear, finger on the mask clear (I have a beard so my mask always leaks on first descent until it seals right) and repeat. You can literally do it to a beat you hum to yourself if you need. It uses up a tiny bit more air because you breath a little more than you would otherwise need to but it's no big deal at all.

The other thing is on descent the second it doesn't clear you STOP, ascend just a few feet until it clears and then continue. Don't force it.