I am about to start scuba lessons with a friend in Florida but I am very concerned with the issues I have from time to time with my ears. I have a very hard time getting them to pop during alergy season. Will this lead to a painful experience or will the presssure while under make it easier?
2006-09-27 01:58:28 · 7 answers · asked by Hunter 2 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
If you try to scuba dive while your sinuses (including ears) are plugged, you won't be able to descend. The way scuba diving works is this: as you descend, quite quickly you feel an uncomfortable pressure in your ears. This is a result of the pressure change. You then "equalize" the pressure by popping your ears. I do it by plugging my nose and gently blowing. Some people do it by opening and closing their jaw, and some do it by swallowing. Try swallowing right now - you should hear a very slight 'crackling' in your ears - this is the same thing as the pressure equalization.
If you are unable to equalize, you won't be able to dive - if you forced yourself to keep going down the pain would be awful and you would damage your eardrums.
Generally people with colds or congestion can't scuba dive. You might be able to go as long as it is not allergy season...
One important point - do NOT take allergy medication (decongestant) and then go diving. Although the medication may allow you to equalize and go down, it may lose its effectiveness while you're underwater. Then when you try to come back up to the surface, you will do a lot of damage to your ears.
2006-09-27 02:11:04 · answer #1 · answered by ontario ashley 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That sounds really risky for you, to me. The problem with diving and the ears, is that it impacts the pressure in your ears rather dramatically. If you already have problems with that, it certainly sounds like a bad situation. The last thing you would want is to get disoriented or pass out under water! And yes, you woudl still feel the same pressure (or more) in your ears that you feel in a swimming pool, holding your breath has nothing to do with the pressure the water exerts on your ears. Now imagine going way deeper. And yes, the swimming can also be somewhat strenuous, so I would also consider that to be a very large concern. Maybe you should just take up snorkeling instead?
2016-03-27 13:24:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had similar problems with my ears years ago. I attempted to take scuba lessons thinking that my problems were all "in my head". According to my doctor at the time, my ears are prone to trap water - this leads to swimmers ear, infections, and a whole host of other problems that are uncomfortable and painful. You may not have this hyper sensitivity, but if you do, you will find out when you take the lessons. I would suggest that you find some activity above water to keep you occupied.
2006-09-27 02:15:41 · answer #3 · answered by Doug R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a problem with my eyes where air comes out when i equalize and i can't go past 20 feet. i went to an ENT(ear nose and throat) doctor and they are trying to figure out the problem. i would suggest seeing a ENT over a regular physician they know more about this and have probably seen your case before. this is what i would do but until then don't push it. you could end up with severe hearing problems. that almost happened to me. so i wish you the best of luck and hope you find out what is wrong. happy diving!
2006-09-27 11:40:06 · answer #4 · answered by Sam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely agree with "Ontario Ashley".
Go,first to an Underwater Medicine Specialist and have a correct diagnosis.
Allergies problems can vary with the seasons.If this is the only problem,the specialist can suggest to you what to do.
I wish you good dives.
2006-09-27 05:27:27 · answer #5 · answered by scubanino 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
diving with ear problems can and will do severe damage to your hearing....believe me when i tell you and so has everybody Else you CANNOT go below 6 feet if you cant equalize......i did by accident one time, i got to 7 feet and my bc (buoyancy control) acted up, i descended to 10 feet with extreme pain!!!!!!!!! and i luckily have been diving since 98 and knew what to do...listen to me don't dive if you feel any pain at all....good luck
2006-09-27 06:59:17 · answer #6 · answered by russ_vl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consult a doctor before engaging in such kind of outdoor activities. I believe, it would dangerous. You may loose your hearing permanently.
2006-09-27 02:04:48 · answer #7 · answered by Sam X9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋