Equalising problems

[Tony Babowicz]

Hey guys, I need some advice or input regarding my ears. Before July, I never had been deeper than 55ft (about 17m) so equalization was not a problem. I always seemed to have enough air. Now, after taking a DiveFIT course in July, my depths are increasing, but now I'm having a terrible time equalizing. The second day in class we did negative pressure dives to about 15-18 feet and I never had such pain in my ears. The following 2 days were painful,but with help from ibuprofen I managed to do a couple dives in the 80-90 ft. range. I thought that the inflammation in my ears was the reason I couldn't equalize any deeper, but now I'm convinced it is my technique. I've been on six boat trips with the Divefit gang since my class in late July, and although I've managed 100 feet and several mid-90 dives, the problem continues. I've studied the FrenzelFattah workshop and I can't seem to get my soft palate and epiglottis to work independently. The DiveFIT guys have given me great advice by telling me to pull up a big mouthful at 20m (66ft) and that is enough air to equalize for another 20m (66ft). The problem is, I can't manage to use that air to Frenzel. It either rushes back into my lungs when I try to equalize or I end up swallowing it. Last week, on my 100ft dive I swallowed two mouthfuls of air between 80-100 feet. This left me with even less air to equalize and a big burp on the surface. If anybody has any suggestions as to how I can learn to control my soft palate while keeping my epiglottis closed, I would greatly appreciate it. And gang, I know you have noticed that some of my posts are just an attempt at humor, I'm 100% serious on this one. Thanks in advance for your input. Tony

[atomichaggis]

I think someone mentioned breathing through then nose then mouth alternately to get a feeling for the soft palate working on its own. I'm guessing then it would be a matter of excersise and practise to refine it enough to work independent of everything else.
There are loads of threads on the subject, lots of people struggle with it.

[Tony Babowicz]

Thanks Davie, Thats exactly what I'm working on. I hoping I can master this soon. Maybe I'm just hoping for a quick fix and all its really gonna take is practice. Tony

[atomichaggis]

You seem to be doing well in your traning, going down a proper route. I usually ignore My own advice and I tend to try and let things come intuitively... which is why I'm no stranger to swallowing air or blowing it out of My mask lol... I've even managed underwater puking

Method and practice is all thats usually needed. one day I'll listen to Myself.

[Tony Babowicz]

I've puked in my mask on occasion while scuba diving. It's great chum for spearfishing but the headaches that follow are hardly worth it. I haven't managed to do it while freediving though. Maybe oneday... LOL Tony

[billieball]

Tony,
Todd (as you are probably aware) has a big issue with equalization. It is always one ear or the other. For scuba diving, we often have to hover at 30-50 ft until he can clear. In freediving, he had to do quite a few pull-downs to deeper and deeper depths...taking nearly 30 minutes to be able to reach 60'. Martin recommended Doc's Pro Plugs, and we picked some up today after being fitted for them. He's going to try them out tomorrow at Vortex Spring (approx 50'), and we'll let you know how they work.
By the way, excellent job on attaining 100ft! I was hoping to accomplish that, but only got to 73' on the last day. Hope to hear from you soon,
Billie

[Tony Babowicz]

Billie, the pulldowns do help me because I can go slower and I manage to equalize. However, I think it's my technique (or lack of) that gives me the problem. I have no issues when I scuba, I have gone over 200ft. with no problem equalizing. At 85-90ft (freediving) I can't manage to get the air from my mouth to my ears/nose without swallowing it or having it rush back into my lungs. I went over the frenzelfattah workshop again, and I think it's just gonna take practice. Let me know how the spring diving goes, I'd like to come up and dive with you guys. I'm heading back out with Martin and Paul on Tues. If I get my equalization down pat, my target is 132ft. (40m) Babysteps... Good luck and dive safe tomorrow. Tony

[cdavis]

Hi Tony,

You may be way ahead of me, Martin is a good teacher, but check to see if you are doing frenzel properly. Grab you nose and try to clear your ears without moving your diaphram at all. If you can develop preasure on your nose (nostril flare out) with no diaphram movement, you are doing frenzel. If not, use the search function and get ready to spend an hour or so reading. You will almost certainly find something that helps. If you are doing frenzel now, lots of diaphram stretches will get you deeper. Also, try doing a diaphram stretch while in the sink phase (carefully). This seem counter productive, but it works for me.

Check your PMs



Connor

[Tony Babowicz]

Conner, I am able to frenzel, I am just having difficulty being able to transfer the air in my mouth without it rushing back into my lungs or my stomach. I've been practicing soft palate exercises on land, and will get a chance on Tuesday to see if my equalizing at depth technique improves. I tried to reply to your pm, but your mailbox is full. If it's not to much trouble, contact me regarding Saturday anthonybabowicz@bellsouth.net or just give me a ring (561)236-1290 Thanks Tony

[fflupo]

if your air is rushing back in the lungs; it is the epiclotis which opens. keep you chin at the chest (like if you wonna swallow)and hold the glotis closed like this your neck will be straight as well and the tongue can do the rest:

[Tony Babowicz]

Originally Posted by fflupo

if your air is rushing back in the lungs; it is the epiclotis which opens. keep you chin at the chest (like if you wonna swallow)and hold the glotis closed like this your neck will be straight as well and the tongue can do the rest:

Thanks fflupo, I've been working on this and it seems to help a little bit. Tony