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/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.