Expert: Henry P. Babcock - 6/28/2009

Question
hey i have a problem with equalizing on land about 95 percent my right ear pops but under water my right almost never pops i been to a docter and they told me to take nasonex and claritin.my left ear always pops can you help me with this? thanks

Answer
Zak,

Difficulty in ear clearing can be a common, but serious, problem while diving.  If this is almost always a problem underwater, it is probably more serious than what some OTC drugs can manage.

I have to recommend you consult with an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist) that is knowledgeable of SCUBA diving and barotrauma.  You should be checked for any physical problems with the eustachian tubes, particularly if this only occurs in one ear.

Contact Divers Alert Network, DAN, to see if they can help you find someone in your area:

http://dan.org

Safe diving,

Henry Babcock
AllExperts SCUBA Expert