equalizing technique - help needed

So I have no problem equalizing from 0 - 15ft, but beyond that, my ears don't always pop as I pinch my nose and blow. Sometimes they pop, and sometimes I just can't get any air through the ear canals. They feel shut. I have to come up a few feet, then I'd be able equalize and go back down some more. That's obviously inefficient and waste valuable time. Do any of you have this problem? Do you do anything special to be able to consistently equalize your ears? Appreciate any pointer you might have.

Thx,
ernest

Hi Ernest,

When I have problems with clearing (seasonal allergies...etc) I would start pinching my nose and clearing the night before a dive.  Pinch, blow and keep it open for 10 seconds or so.  I would do that for about 1/2 hour.  I do the same exercise on the drive to the dive site.  I do that on the surface before a dive, and with my fingers over my nose I clear as I'm dropping down.  Don't force things though.

Good luck,
Nate

I dont dive, but do have ear/sinus issues.  At times when driving up to say Tahoe, or other places over >2000f my ears clog up and I have to pinch my nose and blow, or yawn, chew gum, etc to equalize the pressure.  Is this the same thing you experience while diving?  If so, sometimes when I do "pop" my ears it gives me a sort of headrush and is disorienting.  Does that happen to you underwater at all? 

When I free dive I equalize differently than when I scuba dive. I start by holding my nose and blowing while I'm still on the surface to make sure my Eustachian tubes are open. Then as I descend I keep my fingers on my nose and moderate pressure in my sinuses. This keep the tubes open and allows me to descend at full speed. When I scuba dive I can take my time descending.

This works well for me, but my brother tried it last time and didn't have as much luck.

 For free diving I use a modified Frenzel technique,with the snorkel in your mouth shift your jaw front to back on the mouth piece tabs every couple of seconds all the while pushing my tounge towards the roof of my mouth . It has worked great and I have never had a problem clearing. Two issues with holding the nose technique (Valsalva) is it ties up your other hand and can cause seroius ear injury if you push/blow too hard. But use whatever technique works best and your most comfortable with.


The Frenzel Maneuver:

The tongue is placed on the roof of the mouth, as far forward as possible
the back of the tongue is gently moved upward (as when starting to swallow) – often a click will be heard this is repeated as many times as necessary until equalization occurs.
By performing this, the back third of the tongue and "Adams Apple" will elevate causing the opening of the nasal cavities and eustachian tubes, thus allowing air into the middle ear and equalizing it to ambient air pressure.

This maneuver does not constrict the eustachian tubes, nor does it over-pressurize the middle or inner ear; it also leaves the hands free. The maneuver can be done at any time during the respiratory cycle and it does not inhibit venous return to the heart. Effort to perform the maneuver is minimal, and it can be repeated many times quickly.

i try the frenzal but cant make it work!

I don't dive, but do have ear/sinus issues.  At times when driving up to say Tahoe, or other places over >2000f my ears clog up and I have to pinch my nose and blow, or yawn, chew gum, etc to equalize the pressure.  Is this the same thing you experience while diving?  If so, sometimes when I do "pop" my ears it gives me a sort of headrush and is disorienting.  Does that happen to you underwater at all?

Be really carfull on doing that, I had a student blow and ear out and had to wait a year before getting cleared to compleat the class.

So I have no problem equalizing from 0 - 15ft, but beyond that, my ears don't always pop as I pinch my nose and blow. Sometimes they pop, and sometimes I just can't get any air through the ear canals. They feel shut. I have to come up a few feet, then I'd be able equalize and go back down some more. That's obviously inefficient and waste valuable time. Do any of you have this problem? Do you do anything special to be able to consistently equalize your ears? Appreciate any pointer you might have.

Thx,
ernest

It sounds like the tubes are collapsing from the pressure after you stop. Try a continues light pressure from the top of your dive, takes some time getting use to tucking your elbow in the whole way down,. Also make sure you are not tucking your chin to your chest, look up, or down as you dive, yo stretch the tubes out for better airflow. That all doesn't work check with an ear nose and throat DR

...Also make sure you are not tucking your chin to your chest, look up, or down as you dive, yo stretch the tubes out for better airflow.

This is interesting.  I remember the instructor of the PFI class saying to tuck your chin into your chest as that will help with equalizing. 

I guess the moral of the story is to try both and see what works for you.

Hi Ernest,

When I have problems with clearing (seasonal allergies...etc) I would start pinching my nose and clearing the night before a dive.  Pinch, blow and keep it open for 10 seconds or so.  I would do that for about 1/2 hour.  I do the same exercise on the drive to the dive site.  I do that on the surface before a dive, and with my fingers over my nose I clear as I'm dropping down.  Don't force things though.

Good luck,
Nate

This works very well!  Get them used to clearing well before your dive and it will happen easier in the water.

Thanks for everyone's input. I'll try a couple of those suggested methods. I want to emphasize that I don't have any problem clearing what so ever when I'm in the shallow. I only have trouble while 15ft or more below. Hopefully one of the suggested techniques can help me clear better.

I also tried to learn the Frenzel, can't get it to work. Do you blow air in anyway at anytime during the maneuver?

thx,
ernest

Ernest,

What Abdiver described is the hands free frenzel and that is very different from the frenzel method where you have to use you fingers.  I haven't heard of many divers who have trained themselves to go hands free.  While there are divers that have done it unknowingly since they were kids.  From what I understand, you can either do it or not (hands free).  For a long time, I mistakenly thought Frenzel meant hands free.  It's not.  What I described above, I also use the Frenzel method to clear my ears with my fingers pinching my nose.

Nate