Equalisation Problems

[Speezio]

I am wondering if i am doing anything wrong but i have been having problems with my equalization and can only equalize my right ear at which point as i continue my descent my left ear starts to hurt and i have to turn back up to the surface. this is commonly occuring at about 30 ft and i would like to solve the problem. all help is greatly appreciated

thanks

[alexrom1207]

I'm definitely not an expert on this AT ALL. But when I dive I take Sudafed and it solves a lot of those kinds of problems for me. I'm sure someone here knows of a more technical explanation and most likely a more artful solution...but if all else fails Sudafed has worked well for me.

[TheDude]

I'm not an expert as well, but from my experience your problem can have various reasons, for example
- one eustachian tube smaller in diameter than the other
- swollen eustachian tube or inner ear
- mucus in the sinuses

Sudafet is a drug containing pseudoephedrine, which very simply said dries the nasal membranes of mucus. So basically it helps if your nose and sinuses are full of mucus or swollen. But keep in mind that drugs and diving is not a very good mix, it can help, but I would not use it regularly.

There are two things you can do
- learn proper equalizing technique -> Frenzel (which can produce higher pressure for equalizing with less effort, and so equalize even "difficult" ears)
- try Jala Neti - which is a yoga technique for cleaning sinuses by flushing them with salt water. It is sort of disgusting the first few tries and has to be used on a long term basis, but I can higly recommend it, helped me very well.

[billieball]

I've posted this reply to equalization questions before, and I won't hesitate posting again. My husband had really bad problems with equalization (one ear, both ears...just problems in general). He was fitted for and purchased Docs ProPlugs--the vented kind--and things have been excellent since then. They really worked for him in conjunction with warm-up pull-downs, and they cost less than USD $15.
--Billie

[azapa]

30 ft is the classic failure point for equalization, it certainly was for me, and I have seen many others with the same problem since. you are probably using Vasalva. Tips:
- learn frenzel, look for the videos and tutorials on this site
- read these definitions and watch the great video on this site: Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page
- keep your head in a neutral position (don't strain to look down at the bottom)

good luck

[Alpi]

Originally Posted by azapa

- learn frenzel, look for the videos and tutorials on this site

Great! Where can i find the videos about frenzel!
With search i doesnt´t find something
Thanks

[trux]

There is a bunch of links to documents about Frenzel for exampe here: Frenzel @ APNEA.cz
Also have a look at these links: equalization @ APNEA.cz

[EricO]

I'm not a freediver but was interested to read this. However, I do use a Neti Pot and I can say that it is amazing. I was coming down with a cold a few days ago and used the Neti Pot and felt 100% the next day. If anyone has sinus issues or allergies this would be something to look into.

This is a little odd, but here you go.

YouTube - neti pot

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by EricO

I'm not a freediver but was interested to read this. However, I do use a Neti Pot and I can say that it is amazing. I was coming down with a cold a few days ago and used the Neti Pot and felt 100% the next day. If anyone has sinus issues or allergies this would be something to look into.

This is a little odd, but here you go.

Nice video, I use the Jala Neti almost every day for one year already and it helped me get rid of all problems with running nose and sinuses, which I was very prone for. Now I cannot image a freediving trip without my neti pot .

[Speezio]

hey guys

thanks for all the help. we went on vacation this week and i corrected the problem. it turns out that i wasn't starting to equalise early enough and was at about 10 feet when i started (when the pressure starts). I tried again equalising at the surface before my descent and had no problems at all.

once again thanks for all the help and information.

[James Jay]

I have suffered with minor sinus problems on and off most of my life. I've tried sudafed but would rather not use it. My sinus problems have improved with age and education. I am off to the store to see if they have the Netti available. I was reading about the Netti you use and was wondering if you have a preference as to which salt you prefer to use. The website below gives a few different choices. Thanks for the tips.

Neti Pot salt - salts for neti

[Bill]

When I get real fussy, I take water from the dive location, microwave it to a boil, pour it through a coffee filter and use one part to two parts distilled water. You see my reasoning. Cheap, easy to get and you'll swallow a cup of the same stuff when you dive anyway.

[EricO]

I use Neti Pot salt. You'll most likely be able to find it wherever Neti Pots are sold.

[James Jay]

Just returned from the store. They were out of neti pots but I did see the Neti pot salt they sell.

I'm filtering some snow from my dive location as I write this and will be microwaving it soon. Aloha

[James Jay]

Picked up a Neti Pot and tried it out today. I feel like my left side sinus, which has been the most stuborn is starting to loosen up. I ran to pots through my sinus and am feeling the effects of it allready. The salt they send with it works great. Thanks to all who suggested this little contraption as it works great. The Pharmacist at the store said it has become a very big seller over the past year.