32 replies to this topic

[PhotoGirl]

Don't make fun of Ginsu knives, I was given a set 5 years ago and even though the've been used to cut through tin cans, had hammers smacked against the handles, they actually get sharper every time I use them! I was going to pay $15 for 5 of them, but I waited, and got more!

Having said that, next time you're inline to get an MRI, have them target your eustachian tubes and see what they say.

You might also call DAN to see what they think about your tubes. (no, not fallopians!, lol)

[annasea]

So after patiently waiting for almost 2 months to see the ENT specialist DAN recommended, I had my appointment yesterday. What a disappointment! He provided no more information than a regular doctor. I should have reviewed this thread before I went. The ENT guy asked me a few questions, checked my throat, nose and ears, sent me for a hearing test, and suggested I find another hobby.

I asked about my Eustachian tubes specifically, and he said he has no way of checking them since they're so deep in or words to that effect. I asked about ProPlugs and yes, he'd heard of them but didn't necessarily recommend them as they narrow the passageway. I asked about nasal decongestants because they target the necessary area directly rather than swallowing a pill that goes through one's whole system, and he suggested Sudafed. I asked about the active ingredient in Sudafed since I'd read elsewhere that there's two different types, I think, both starting with the letter P, and he said take Sudafed. I was VERY unimpressed.

Ellen, I would love to know what kind of test you had done on your Eustachian tubes. You mentioned having to stand in line at the ProPlugs booth for it but that doctors should be able to do it as well.

Since my next trip is a long ways off, I'll order a custom pair of ProPlugs, research suitable decongestants and practice equalizing daily.

[Basslet]

So after patiently waiting for almost 2 months to see the ENT specialist DAN recommended, I had my appointment yesterday. What a disappointment! He provided no more information than a regular doctor. I should have reviewed this thread before I went. The ENT guy asked me a few questions, checked my throat, nose and ears, sent me for a hearing test, and suggested I find another hobby.

I asked about my Eustachian tubes specifically, and he said he has no way of checking them since they're so deep in or words to that effect. I asked about ProPlugs and yes, he'd heard of them but didn't necessarily recommend them as they narrow the passageway. I asked about nasal decongestants because they target the necessary area directly rather than swallowing a pill that goes through one's whole system, and he suggested Sudafed. I asked about the active ingredient in Sudafed since I'd read elsewhere that there's two different types, I think, both starting with the letter P, and he said take Sudafed. I was VERY unimpressed.

Ellen, I would love to know what kind of test you had done on your Eustachian tubes. You mentioned having to stand in line at the ProPlugs booth for it but that doctors should be able to do it as well.

Since my next trip is a long ways off, I'll order a custom pair of ProPlugs, research suitable decongestants and practice equalizing daily.

I would tell DAN about him. He obviously has no clue what he is talking about. I had two tests done. At the pro-plug booth at BTS, Doc put this camera in your ear that is attached to a long tube (yes, it feels yucky and takes a while, thus the line at the booth) and then has you equalize. You can see a flash, which is your eardrum moving. I only saw it for my right, not my left ear, and my left is the one that gives me problems.

The ent did a different test. Again, a tube was put in my ear and some kind of graph was produced. I don't really remember much about it because the camera one was so much more dramatic (LOL) but it did show that I had small, twisty turny Eustachian tubes.

Sorry you had such a bad experience. Bummer. But in one respect, he's right. There's not really much you can do about it. Besides the Sudafed and practice.

[annasea]

Well, I've been busy equalizing throughout the day and have spoken with DAN twice since I last posted here.

Regarding equalizing... for those that practice while on land, do you find right after you've equalized, your ears feel plugged? Is this because your ears are not actually in a pressure situation as they'd be when you're descending therefore they behave differently? FWIW, I have to swallow immediately after clearing my ears in order to get rid of that *plugged* feeling.

Regarding Proplugs... I asked DAN about them and their opinion is they don't see the need for them. Apparently, equalizing occurs within the ear, and since the Proplugs are in the outer ear canal, they shouldn't have any effect on equalizing.

Nonetheless, since the Fairy and the Tooth swear by their Proplugs, I'm willing to give them a try!

[pir8]

I don't use them myself, but what the plugs would be good for is keeping H2O out of your ears thus reducing the risk of infection. The plugs are vented so as to allow you to still equalize.

[Dr Jay Scuba Dentist]

I have problems with my left ear. I have used the proplugs for years now, and they have helped tremendously. I also take sudafed befor every dive to help clear out any congestion. I have really tiny and twisted (figures huh?) Eustachian tubes and both of these tools really helped. I also practice equalizing all the time. When I was in Bonaire, it was like heaven. Not once on any dive did I have a problem equalizing. It was WONDERFUL!!

REGARDING PSEUDOPHPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DO NOT use the type that lasts for a few hours. Make sure you use the 12 hour or 24 hour variety. If the decongestant action wears off while you are at depth, you will have a terrible time trying to ascend!!!!
Another trick is to equalize before you even enter the water, then again while on the surface, and then almost constantly as you descend. If you feel any discomfort, ascend a few feet and equalize again ag descend SLOWLY. Remember, the first atmosphere/33 feet are the worst. Its better to take your time descending, than to abort the dive, or be uncomfortable for the whole dive!
Hope this helps-

[ScubaPunk]

A couple of years back someone posted this video on equalization. It's a bit long, but very detailed and informative:
The Divers Ear

[secretsea18]

AHEM.... As a licensed Ear Nose and Throat surgeon.... to those practicing medicine in this thread without a medical license..... AHEM .....

That made clear... in general what all have said is mostly correct.

Eustachian Tubes... Are little in children. There is no set test we can measure or even really see them well on. Do not get an MRI or CT just to look at them, it doesn't matter what they look like. All that matters is how they work. The only test we have to check their function is a tympanogram (part of a hearing test). Gizmo goes into ear, you hear a sound with pressure, and it measures the position and flexibility of your eardrum. If it is normal, then your Eustacian tube works normally ON LAND! If it is normal ON LAND, this will not predict whether your ear will clear well UNDER WATER, but it does correlate for many people!

The thing you need to do is to begin to clear your ears (with whatever technique works for you) before you enter the water, then again just before you descend, and on EACH breath you take as you descend. Going head or feet first is a personal issue, and I can't see (medically) why it would make a difference. Personally, I want to see where I am going and get to the bottom as fast as possible, so headfirst for me.

If you feel pressure as you descend, then you must ascend until you can easily clear, then and only then, try to descend. It also means that you did not clear enough as you were descending. If you are having a cold or allergy, you either shouldn't dive or take whatever medication you have been recommended to treat it.

If you are recommended to try Sudafed, and want to take it, you can take whatever form of Sudafed (tradename) you want (I buy generic). It is all pseudoephedrine, and all the same. If you take your pill an hour before you dive, unless you do 4 hour dives, you should be good for 4-6 hours, as that is the duration of the medication. In the US, you have to ask the pharmacist for the drug (no prescription needed yet) because some folks use it to cook up methamphetamine. Do not use the combo types with unneeded drugs in them. Sometimes I take Sudafed to dive, lately didn't need them on my recent trip to Philippines. When I take them I usually take them every 4 hours or so. I use the regular ones. Never have had a problem with ascent pressure problems. That is a much lower risk compared to the descent problem.

The ProPlugs claim to work by decreasing the amount of volume in the ear canal to allow clearing to be easier. They might work and are unlikely to cause a serious problem, but I have some trouble understanding how it will help, as wax in your ear is more likely to cause you problems with diving, and that is really no different than the plug. The most important thing to know if you (or anyone wants to try them) is make sure you can get at them to take them out if they are preventing your ears from remaining equalized. I prescribe them for swimming in kids with tubes, or otitis externa (swimmer's ear) prone people. Making sure your ear canal dries between dives is even more important than using a plug. The alcohol/vinegar mixture is good, but drying the canal (I use a hair dryer sometimes) is the most important way to reduce OUTER EAR infection. The middle ear is completely unaffected by this condition.

OK stethoscope and otoscope off...... please see the receptionist on the way out for your bill

[Dr Jay Scuba Dentist]

AHEM.... As a licensed Ear Nose and Throat surgeon.... to those practicing medicine in this thread without a medical license..... AHEM .....

That made clear... in general what all have said is mostly correct.

Eustachian Tubes... Are little in children. There is no set test we can measure or even really see them well on. Do not get an MRI or CT just to look at them, it doesn't matter what they look like. All that matters is how they work. The only test we have to check their function is a tympanogram (part of a hearing test). Gizmo goes into ear, you hear a sound with pressure, and it measures the position and flexibility of your eardrum. If it is normal, then your Eustacian tube works normally ON LAND! If it is normal ON LAND, this will not predict whether your ear will clear well UNDER WATER, but it does correlate for many people!

The thing you need to do is to begin to clear your ears (with whatever technique works for you) before you enter the water, then again just before you descend, and on EACH breath you take as you descend. Going head or feet first is a personal issue, and I can't see (medically) why it would make a difference. Personally, I want to see where I am going and get to the bottom as fast as possible, so headfirst for me.

If you feel pressure as you descend, then you must ascend until you can easily clear, then and only then, try to descend. It also means that you did not clear enough as you were descending. If you are having a cold or allergy, you either shouldn't dive or take whatever medication you have been recommended to treat it.

If you are recommended to try Sudafed, and want to take it, you can take whatever form of Sudafed (tradename) you want (I buy generic). It is all pseudoephedrine, and all the same. If you take your pill an hour before you dive, unless you do 4 hour dives, you should be good for 4-6 hours, as that is the duration of the medication. In the US, you have to ask the pharmacist for the drug (no prescription needed yet) because some folks use it to cook up methamphetamine. Do not use the combo types with unneeded drugs in them. Sometimes I take Sudafed to dive, lately didn't need them on my recent trip to Philippines. When I take them I usually take them every 4 hours or so. I use the regular ones. Never have had a problem with ascent pressure problems. That is a much lower risk compared to the descent problem.

The ProPlugs claim to work by decreasing the amount of volume in the ear canal to allow clearing to be easier. They might work and are unlikely to cause a serious problem, but I have some trouble understanding how it will help, as wax in your ear is more likely to cause you problems with diving, and that is really no different than the plug. The most important thing to know if you (or anyone wants to try them) is make sure you can get at them to take them out if they are preventing your ears from remaining equalized. I prescribe them for swimming in kids with tubes, or otitis externa (swimmer's ear) prone people. Making sure your ear canal dries between dives is even more important than using a plug. The alcohol/vinegar mixture is good, but drying the canal (I use a hair dryer sometimes) is the most important way to reduce OUTER EAR infection. The middle ear is completely unaffected by this condition.

OK stethoscope and otoscope off...... please see the receptionist on the way out for your bill

Hope you weren't referring to me-
Anybody who similarily has any favorite techniques- please share them with us- I guess just tell us if you are or are not licensed, or just want to help fellow divers by sharing your experiences.

[DandyDon]

A couple of years back someone posted this video on equalization. It's a bit long, but very detailed and informative:
The Divers Ear

I was just about to post that, but I see you beat me to it.

[annasea]

Thx for the valuable input, Robin! As someone who sees no liveaboards in her future due mainly to equalization issues, I especially appreciate your expertise.

There was another thread a few weeks ago on equalization started by Penguin that mentioned a recent article in a diving magazine whose name I can't remember at the moment. Penguin was so kind to fax it to me and I must say... very informative! Many different techniques for equalization and dealing with congestion were mentioned. For anyone who has ear trouble, this article is a must read!

[Dr Jay Scuba Dentist]

A couple of years back someone posted this video on equalization. It's a bit long, but very detailed and informative:
The Divers Ear

I was just about to post that, but I see you beat me to it.

Great minds think alike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think this was a quote from Ghandi or some other famous person (possibly WW)

[ScubaPunk]

We are very fortunate to have so many professional people here at SD. Thank you all for your valuable input.

[Dr Jay Scuba Dentist]

We are very fortunate to have so many professional people here at SD. Thank you all for your valuable input.

;-))

[dustbowl diver]

As fortunate as I have been to NOT have equalization issues, this was still informative. Thanks for the input!!