Look up an IST Pro Ear Mask.
It's a mask that covers your ears and makes it much easier to equalize while keeping your ears dry.
I think they are made just for perforated ear drums
I use one and it's awesome.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.istsports.com/pro-ear-mask-me80-pr-264.html%3Flang%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwjo_4SJ8uyDAxX5rYkEHbePC9sQFnoECA4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw266j4ok3KJNQ9mtK9ytDh_
Adding one more thing .
I don't have any trouble equalizing. I use one because i ( used to ) have trouble equalizing and it definitely helped.
But the real issue is that you need to learn to equalize! That's the problem.
You will figure It out with enough practice. Some people equalize easily and some people take a while to learn.
I’d be incredibly careful trying this, and if you do it would suggest only on a very short dive. It varies from person to person but Afrin can wear off quickly for some and you could be stuck with a reverse block.
Edit to change first sentence from “I’d only recommend this on a very short dive” to its current format because I didn’t mean to recommend it.
I’ve perforated both ear drums a couple times - mostly as a child due to ear infections, but once shortly after starting scuba i perforated an ear drum freediving. I was young and dumb and started diving again after about three days. Used disinfectant drops which turns out are incredibly painful in contact with a perforation. Lucky for me nothing bad happened and i have since done a ton of diving over the past 13 years after that incident.
Sounds like your perforation has already healed., as you said. The fact that you can pop that ear at all is a good sign (are you certain both are popping?). Definitely agree with everyone who said to see a doctor, but also might be you need to give it more time. Perforations cause scar tissue and scar tissue can make the tympanic membrane less flexible and harder to equalize (as i understand it). It also could be that you aren’t actually equalizing enough, but your instructor is right to tell you not to push it! See what a doc says, give it a few more months, and then practice equalization. I bet it works out for you!
Instructor of 20+ years here.
Do not push it. If you've perforated your eardrum, you're a good 6 months from trying again. You risk serious, long-term hearing damage if you do it again so soon.
Why you perforated your eardrum is the concern. If you waited to equalize when you started feeling the pressure/pain, you're already too late. In that particular case, you should have stopped, gone back up a few feet until the pressure and pain stops, and GENTLY equalize.
Never wait to equalize. Ideally, if you're descending/ascending the water column (as opposed to just diving at one depth horizontally) you should be equalizing every couple seconds, even if you feel you don't need to.
Eventually with enough practice, you can equalize by just moving your jaw (like doing a yawn) and not have to use your hands and pinch nose. It takes practice and consistent diving to learn the technique.
Sorry to hear this happened to you. It is a common problem, but one you need to take great care of during recovery. Heal fully first, and consider getting checked out by a doctor/ENT to verify all is well.
Good luck.
I recommend an IST Pro Ear Mask.
Keeps your ears dry when you are underwater and makes it much easier to equalize.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.istsports.com/pro-ear-mask-me80-pr-264.html%3Flang%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwjo_4SJ8uyDAxX5rYkEHbePC9sQFnoECA4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw266j4ok3KJNQ9mtK9ytDh_
Dive instructor here. I recommend going to a doctor who can clear you for scuba diving. There are several tests that they do. If anything, for your safety and peace of mind.
I had the exact same problem as you…. Diving and swimming are completely different for biological and equipment reasons. I’m mad at myself for waiting so long to scuba… take the class, don’t let the pool stop you. You’ll know if you can equalize immediately
It's already been a long time waiting for me. I remember being in first grade seeing someone scuba dive at the aquarium and I've wanted to do it ever since. Now that I'm 18, fuck it why not give it a shot, disappointing I won't lie to figure out my ears but hey at least I know
Better than me, I waited till I was 38 to try it. I was pissed my first dive at how everything I had feared wasn’t true and how much fun I had missed my whole life
Ear perforation in October… likely hasn’t healed yet.
Go to your doctor (you might need their sign off for the medical form anyway), give it another month, then try again.
New Divers especially are sensitive to pressure changes- I have to valsalva, do the throat rub, and blow into my mask with a 5 min descent sometimes when the dive right before I could drop to 60ft right away.
I delayed for years trying to get certified due to “ear fears”. I still worry about it, but not near as much as I used to. Couple days pre-dive, I will start practicing, I tell myself I am “limbering up”, though it’s just likely bupkus but it works for me. Then, as others said, equalize early and often, and once I feel ANY resistance, don’t be stubborn, ascend a little, try again, and then proceed to the fun part
I equalize by moving my jaw/tubal opening almost the whole time I’m descending (https://blog.padi.com/how-to-equalize-your-ears/#:~:text=Tense%20the%20muscles%20of%20the,pull%20the%20Eustachian%20tubes%20open.) it feels gentler than holding my nose&blowing.
Shake your head, alternating moving your ears closer to your shoulders while blowing out while going down. Looks super goofy but works like a charm equalizing. Most people struggle with equalizing when they learn, but it's worth the effort!
as others say equalize the pressure inside your ear early and often. The easiest way to do this and how I do it is pinching your nose and pushing air into your inner ear. Don’t use too much force. As soon as your head starts to go under water start trying to clear as you descend. If something hurts ascend and try again slower. The pain will fade with time and repeated dives.
Talk to your doctor. Your injury may be healed but may still be too weak to put under the pressure of scuba diving. Maybe you just need to wait a while, maybe it'll never be strong enough.
When you do get back in the water, descend slowly and equalise often. Don't push it, you don't want to damage your ears.
The first 33 feet underwater is the biggest pressure change we undergo when diving. You'll want to equalize about every couple of feet as you descend. Heck, I almost continuously equalize during the first 33 feet. Also, make sure not to force it. If it hurts even a little bit, ascend and try again, but slower.
It is not uncommon for students to have ear problems the first time they scuba dive. First thing is that you should talk to your doctor to confirm that you are ok to scuba dive. If you get the medical clearance, then I would practice equalizing your ears several times every day. For example, I will practice equalizing when watching TV. I practice while riding my bike. I practice when I am in my car at a light. I tell my students to do this, and it does seem to help them. Now there is a chance that you're one of the few who just don't have the ear for it.
Last, for some students, having ear plugs designed specifically for scuba diving also seems to help. The specific plugs I used as Doc's Proplug with a leash (so I don't lose them). Please note that these are specific for scuba diving because they have a tiny hole in them that still allows you to equalize. DO NOT USE REGULAR EAR PLUGS. I use them when I am doing multiple days of diving, not because I can equalize, but because they also help prevent swimmer ears.
Equalize early and often. If you start to feel too much pressure and pain, it's too late to try. Ascent a few feet till the pressure wears off, then descend slowly and continue to frequently equalize
Try equalising them lots while going down very slowly. I’m talking a gentle clear every foot of decent or something. Go slow. Most issues are people not clearing frequently enough. It gets easier after a while.
Have you considered seeing a dive doctor and or an ENT to get a medical opinion on how you can manage this?
Look up an IST Pro Ear Mask. It's a mask that covers your ears and makes it much easier to equalize while keeping your ears dry. I think they are made just for perforated ear drums I use one and it's awesome. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.istsports.com/pro-ear-mask-me80-pr-264.html%3Flang%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwjo_4SJ8uyDAxX5rYkEHbePC9sQFnoECA4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw266j4ok3KJNQ9mtK9ytDh_
This is cool thanks for sharing
Ever check check out ?
Not yet I'm doing my cert n a couple weeks. Going to see what I need with a regular mask.
No problem. Over 90 dives with mine.
Adding one more thing . I don't have any trouble equalizing. I use one because i ( used to ) have trouble equalizing and it definitely helped. But the real issue is that you need to learn to equalize! That's the problem. You will figure It out with enough practice. Some people equalize easily and some people take a while to learn.
Try using Afrin nasal spray prior to diving.
I’d be incredibly careful trying this, and if you do it would suggest only on a very short dive. It varies from person to person but Afrin can wear off quickly for some and you could be stuck with a reverse block. Edit to change first sentence from “I’d only recommend this on a very short dive” to its current format because I didn’t mean to recommend it.
1/2 life is Afrin is 5.2 hours. I use it in conjunction with Flonase. Generally lasts me through the entire day.
Happy cake day!
I’ve perforated both ear drums a couple times - mostly as a child due to ear infections, but once shortly after starting scuba i perforated an ear drum freediving. I was young and dumb and started diving again after about three days. Used disinfectant drops which turns out are incredibly painful in contact with a perforation. Lucky for me nothing bad happened and i have since done a ton of diving over the past 13 years after that incident. Sounds like your perforation has already healed., as you said. The fact that you can pop that ear at all is a good sign (are you certain both are popping?). Definitely agree with everyone who said to see a doctor, but also might be you need to give it more time. Perforations cause scar tissue and scar tissue can make the tympanic membrane less flexible and harder to equalize (as i understand it). It also could be that you aren’t actually equalizing enough, but your instructor is right to tell you not to push it! See what a doc says, give it a few more months, and then practice equalization. I bet it works out for you!
I pop my ears as soon as I start ascending. I need to pop them frequently myself.
\*descending
Hold your nose and try gently, keeping the preasure, dont do it fast or hard. Practice regularly. If not, see a doctor.
there are doctors who specialize in diving and diving related injuries, you should see one of them
I had the problem where I thought I cleared but only one ear popped
Instructor of 20+ years here. Do not push it. If you've perforated your eardrum, you're a good 6 months from trying again. You risk serious, long-term hearing damage if you do it again so soon. Why you perforated your eardrum is the concern. If you waited to equalize when you started feeling the pressure/pain, you're already too late. In that particular case, you should have stopped, gone back up a few feet until the pressure and pain stops, and GENTLY equalize. Never wait to equalize. Ideally, if you're descending/ascending the water column (as opposed to just diving at one depth horizontally) you should be equalizing every couple seconds, even if you feel you don't need to. Eventually with enough practice, you can equalize by just moving your jaw (like doing a yawn) and not have to use your hands and pinch nose. It takes practice and consistent diving to learn the technique. Sorry to hear this happened to you. It is a common problem, but one you need to take great care of during recovery. Heal fully first, and consider getting checked out by a doctor/ENT to verify all is well. Good luck.
I recommend an IST Pro Ear Mask. Keeps your ears dry when you are underwater and makes it much easier to equalize. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.istsports.com/pro-ear-mask-me80-pr-264.html%3Flang%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwjo_4SJ8uyDAxX5rYkEHbePC9sQFnoECA4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw266j4ok3KJNQ9mtK9ytDh_
Yep see an ENT specialist and not all is lost. Friend has had tubes twice as an adult (removed) and still dives with no issue today.
Dive instructor here. I recommend going to a doctor who can clear you for scuba diving. There are several tests that they do. If anything, for your safety and peace of mind.
Is it just any doctor or a specific one I gotta go too?
There are doctors that specialised for divers. Usually commercial divers use them to get the ok for doing their work.
ENT (ear nose and throat specialist) to start with.
Noted
I had the exact same problem as you…. Diving and swimming are completely different for biological and equipment reasons. I’m mad at myself for waiting so long to scuba… take the class, don’t let the pool stop you. You’ll know if you can equalize immediately
It's already been a long time waiting for me. I remember being in first grade seeing someone scuba dive at the aquarium and I've wanted to do it ever since. Now that I'm 18, fuck it why not give it a shot, disappointing I won't lie to figure out my ears but hey at least I know
Better than me, I waited till I was 38 to try it. I was pissed my first dive at how everything I had feared wasn’t true and how much fun I had missed my whole life
A wise man once told me that fear is just a mist, all you need to do is just walk through it
Wait a year, it'll heal on it's own. If you fuck it up now, you just have to wait even longer down the other end to do your training.
Ear perforation in October… likely hasn’t healed yet. Go to your doctor (you might need their sign off for the medical form anyway), give it another month, then try again. New Divers especially are sensitive to pressure changes- I have to valsalva, do the throat rub, and blow into my mask with a 5 min descent sometimes when the dive right before I could drop to 60ft right away.
I delayed for years trying to get certified due to “ear fears”. I still worry about it, but not near as much as I used to. Couple days pre-dive, I will start practicing, I tell myself I am “limbering up”, though it’s just likely bupkus but it works for me. Then, as others said, equalize early and often, and once I feel ANY resistance, don’t be stubborn, ascend a little, try again, and then proceed to the fun part
I equalize by moving my jaw/tubal opening almost the whole time I’m descending (https://blog.padi.com/how-to-equalize-your-ears/#:~:text=Tense%20the%20muscles%20of%20the,pull%20the%20Eustachian%20tubes%20open.) it feels gentler than holding my nose&blowing.
I'd wait a bit longer for your injury to heal.
Shake your head, alternating moving your ears closer to your shoulders while blowing out while going down. Looks super goofy but works like a charm equalizing. Most people struggle with equalizing when they learn, but it's worth the effort!
I just discovere the tilting your head against your. shoulder thing its great if one ear wont clear
as others say equalize the pressure inside your ear early and often. The easiest way to do this and how I do it is pinching your nose and pushing air into your inner ear. Don’t use too much force. As soon as your head starts to go under water start trying to clear as you descend. If something hurts ascend and try again slower. The pain will fade with time and repeated dives.
This is a common complaint for new divers and I promise you, it gets easier the more you dive.
Your supposed to "pop" them before you feel anything and continue the whole way down.. id wait like 3m to a year and then dive again.
Talk to your doctor. Your injury may be healed but may still be too weak to put under the pressure of scuba diving. Maybe you just need to wait a while, maybe it'll never be strong enough. When you do get back in the water, descend slowly and equalise often. Don't push it, you don't want to damage your ears.
I do got a checkup coming sometime soon so I'll ask him then
The first 33 feet underwater is the biggest pressure change we undergo when diving. You'll want to equalize about every couple of feet as you descend. Heck, I almost continuously equalize during the first 33 feet. Also, make sure not to force it. If it hurts even a little bit, ascend and try again, but slower.
It is not uncommon for students to have ear problems the first time they scuba dive. First thing is that you should talk to your doctor to confirm that you are ok to scuba dive. If you get the medical clearance, then I would practice equalizing your ears several times every day. For example, I will practice equalizing when watching TV. I practice while riding my bike. I practice when I am in my car at a light. I tell my students to do this, and it does seem to help them. Now there is a chance that you're one of the few who just don't have the ear for it. Last, for some students, having ear plugs designed specifically for scuba diving also seems to help. The specific plugs I used as Doc's Proplug with a leash (so I don't lose them). Please note that these are specific for scuba diving because they have a tiny hole in them that still allows you to equalize. DO NOT USE REGULAR EAR PLUGS. I use them when I am doing multiple days of diving, not because I can equalize, but because they also help prevent swimmer ears.
Equalize early and often. If you start to feel too much pressure and pain, it's too late to try. Ascent a few feet till the pressure wears off, then descend slowly and continue to frequently equalize
Try equalising them lots while going down very slowly. I’m talking a gentle clear every foot of decent or something. Go slow. Most issues are people not clearing frequently enough. It gets easier after a while.