Clearing Ears at Altitude

The last 2 times I have gone diving at Ice House Res. (elevation 5450) I've had a terrible time trying to get my left ear to equalize. I was able to hit 33 feet on one dive but it took forever to get there because it took so long to eq and I had to stop because I could not eq past that. Most other dives the problem was around 18 feet, a couple at 6.
My ears feel like they are filled with water and I have to turn my head to the side and shake it to get the water out.
Besides elevation the only difference is that when I dive Ice House I do not wear a hood.
I have never had so much trouble equalizing on the coast.
My left ears is always a bit slower to eq, but it always comes around.
Anyone else have probs at elevation?

Before I ruptured my left ear drum in early March (damn tree too slow getting out of my mtn. bikes way) I would have to do 4-5 progressive dives. Starting about 8' then 12 etc', also I started clearing (nose pinch) at the surface.
With or without hood now that left ear is healed up it clears before my right, go figure.  When diving at upper elevations like Tahoe for me OTC hay fever med and 600 mg Ibuprofen help me clear more easily and lasts about 4-6 hrs of diving.  I do not find it necessary at the ocean except for maybe after the dive . Maybe our brains are telling us "Go To the Coast"

Thanks Russ.
I loaded up on Sudafed but not ibuprofen.
And I think you are right about the coast.
I may have to give Folsom a shot to see if it will clear closer to sea level.

My ears (and sinuses) are getting progressively harder to clear every year,  I use a combo of real sudafed, and a nasal spray, one Doc said not to use them together, the second Doc says sure go ahead.

Anyway, never thought about the ibuprofen, makes sense, I'll try it next time, Thanks for the tip.

How does Ibuprofen make sense.  Doesn't it just mask the symptoms, i.e. making it so you feel them less?  It doesn't really solve the problem, does it?

-Allen

How does Ibuprofen make sense.  Doesn't it just mask the symptoms, i.e. making it so you feel them less?  It doesn't really solve the problem, does it?

-Allen

Narcotics mask symptoms, nsaids like ibuprofen actually cause physiological changes in our body to reduce the issues that cause the pain,

From medicalnewstoday.com

How does ibuprofen work?
 Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances our body releases in response to illness and injury. Prostaglandins cause pain and swelling (inflammation); they are released in the brain and can also cause fever.

How does Ibuprofen make sense.  Doesn't it just mask the symptoms, i.e. making it so you feel them less?  It doesn't really solve the problem, does it?

-Allen

Narcotics mask symptoms, nsaids like ibuprofen actually cause physiological changes in our body to reduce the issues that cause the pain,

From medicalnewstoday.com

How does ibuprofen work?
 Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances our body releases in response to illness and injury. Prostaglandins cause pain and swelling (inflammation); they are released in the brain and can also cause fever.

Sure,  but aren't the prostaglandins (whatever those are) released to tell you that you're in a bad situation that you should avoid?

-Allen

How does Ibuprofen make sense.  Doesn't it just mask the symptoms, i.e. making it so you feel them less?  It doesn't really solve the problem, does it?

-Allen

Narcotics mask symptoms, nsaids like ibuprofen actually cause physiological changes in our body to reduce the issues that cause the pain,

From medicalnewstoday.com

How does ibuprofen work?
 Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances our body releases in response to illness and injury. Prostaglandins cause pain and swelling (inflammation); they are released in the brain and can also cause fever.

Sure,  but aren't the prostaglandins (whatever those are) released to tell you that you're in a bad situation that you should avoid?

-Allen

Not necessarily, there are plenty of substances produced by the body that can be counterproductive; just look at all the autoimmune disorders. Even histamines, although absolutely necessary, can cause all sorts of issues (in some people) that don't seem to make any sense.

Sure,  but aren't the prostaglandins (whatever those are) released to tell you that you're in a bad situation that you should avoid?

-Allen

Yeah I'd never seen that word either, I just generally knew how nsaids worked, but to answer your question I think it comes down to the universal disclaimer, if symptoms persist for more than x number of days see your doc.

I was told it helps reduce swelling.
If the Eustachian Tube is a little inflamed the air passage will be less making it harder to clear. Ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling thus making it easier to clear.

I was told it helps reduce swelling.
If the Eustachian Tube is a little inflamed the air passage will be less making it harder to clear. Ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling thus making it easier to clear.

Thinking more about this ... I get it.  For the same reasons I pop a couple advils after a hard day paddling, before the next day of paddling ...

-Allen

We all have a harder time clearing now and then.  Dairy causes mucus that could make it more difficult. 

My chiropractor is a diver and he suggested adjusting my neck.  Apparently if your neck is a little out of whack the muscles can constrict the eustachian tubes.

We all have a harder time clearing now and then.  Dairy causes mucus that could make it more difficult. 

My chiropractor is a diver and he suggested adjusting my neck.  Apparently if your neck is a little out of whack the muscles can constrict the eustachian tubes.

Stress over an out of date estate plan can have negative affects on your ability to equalize as well. I'll have my assistant put you down for a meeting next week. Shouldn't take more than a few hours.

IPAs are notorious for inflaming membranes, egos, and height.    Russian Impiral  Stout is recommended by this Medic  Great anti-inflammatory

IPAs are notorious for inflaming membranes, egos, and height.    Russian Impiral  Stout is recommended by this Medic  Great anti-inflammatory

t044

And ....Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout is on the official unofficial NCKA Dark Beer List

Going to try Heretic Brewing Co. ~ 'Shallow Grave' next time before I dive.
If what you guys say is true I should be fine.  :sm