Diving - Ear Problems
Some divers find they have problems clearing their ears as they descend. This means they are having difficulty inflating the middle ear via the Eustachian tube which connects it to the back of the nose. However, this is not a medical problem, assuming you have normal hearing on the surface your Eustachian tubes function properly because the air in your middle ear is continually being absorbed and replaced by fresh air coming down the tubes. However, underwater, this problem can cause discomfort and even intense pain.
There are several things you can do to help make it easier:
Firstly, practice inflating your ears several times a day for three to four days before you intend diving. Regular use tends to open up the Eustachian tubes.
Next, when you enter the water, start inflation from the surface downwards immediately and for the first few metres working with each breath. Never wait until there is a pressure on your ears. If you can't clear or feel any pain, go back up until the pain or pressure has departed, and try again from that point.
If you are diving from a boat down a line, try pulling yourself down feet first for the first ten metres. This causes the air in your chest and throat to exert positive pressure which helps open the Eustachian tubes.
Ephedrine 1% nasal drops used before diving may also be helpful and should be available over the counter from the chemist. Try them out before diving to see if they affect your level of drowsiness, if they do, change brands!
Never descend if you experience increasing pain or pressure on the ear drum. This can cause seeping of fluid into the middle ear, leaving you mildly deaf for a few days. If you are unlucky you may even suffer a burst ear drum.
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