Comments on: Are You A Scuba Diver?

By: John

John — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:19:16 +0000

Thanks for the info.

By: Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:15:38 +0000

You can actually get earplugs that hold your ears open, to help with equalisation now

By: John

John — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:36:36 +0000

Thanks for the helpful input – very much appreciated.

I no longer see the chap with the ‘craggy’ face so cannot suggest he obtains a mask before he goes that he knows will be ok, though perhaps he’s done this anyway.

My bad writing again! – the ear plugs were to try and assist with snorkelling, the instructors didn’t tell me to use them – sorry.

By: Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:08:16 +0000

Who on earth told you to try ear plugs!!? That is the *worst* possible thing you could do!

The pain in your ears is caused by changes in pressure in the closed air spaces (such as ears and sinsus). The idea of clearing is to equalize this – not bung it up further with ear plugs!

When I first started diving I had trouble equalising my ears, so I have some tips:

1) Try tipping your head to one side or another – this will make the air a lot easier to clear in one ear – repeat for the other side.

2) Of couse, while you tip your head, hold your nose and try and breath out of it quite firmly – not mega hard, but harder than you probably think. You’ll hear a squeeking sound as your ears equalize.

3) You can always take sudafed or another decongestant (dont go diving with a cold), just to make sure your 100% clear and you’re easier to clear.

As for mask flooding, I’ve never met anyone with a “craggy” enough face not to be able to wear a mask! Most people need to try on a few masks to find a fit (and try adjusting the strap – too tight is just as bad as too loose!). Try putting the mask over your face, without the strap the breathing in through your nose. If it fits, the mask should be stuck on your face and you can’t breath in through your nose anymore.

Give it another try!

By: John

John — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:18:32 +0000

Hi Stonyreef.
Thanks for the observations. I note what you say.
The course I had enrolled for was in fact a PADI beginner’s course. The instructor said that he was concerned about the ear pain because it should be cleared easily enough – as you say – and I couldn’t clear it. However, the truth of the matter was that they were concerned about any medical impact, and they cannot be criticised for that. The incomplete course did not cost me anything.
I think it must be just some peculiarity about me (my wife would agree with ‘peculiar’ maybe!). Even when using scuba gear I have tried clearing my ears and failed, so I don’t go too deep.
Thanks again.

By: Stonyreef

Stonyreef — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:48:45 +0000

I think some of the ‘vacation style’ courses are not the best option, trying to minimally train you in a day or two for a quick dive. The pressure in the 1st, say, 15′, can be difficult, but any, even mediocre, instructor should have advice on the best way to ‘clear’ the pressure. Some can just swallow, I prefer to stop descent, plug my nose, and blow very gently until the pressure clears. Once you’ve done it a couple times, it’s a breeze and you don’t even think about it, just automatically do it when the pressure starts.

I’d suggest not giving up and taking a true NAUI or PADI course in your home town for real certification, not a get in / get out quickie. It will be more thorough and focus on issues like this, along with safety, etc. You mention that you don’t feel you’ve missed out, but I’d imagine that may change, should you get proper certification & experience, and really get down there to enjoy it!

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