I love scuba diving but had to stop some years back because of
delicate ear drums. Is there modern amatuer equipment, helmet
whatever, that allows diving with normal atmospheric pressure on ears?

Hi there,

This looks to be just the right thing for you.  The "ProEar 2000"
claims to be the "the world's only practical ear protector for
divers".

http://www.proear2000.com/

It protects the ears and keeps them dry. Which prevents many ear
problems you may come across. One of the benefits is that it equalizes
the pressure on your ears, which will prevent ear pain. You can read
more here:
http://www.proear2000.com/pages/table.html

There is also a FAQ which gives a lot of useful information:
http://www.proear2000.com/pages/FAQ.html

I hope this answers your question! Please let me know if you need any
further information before rating this answer, and I will be happy to
help.

Thank-you.


Search Terms Used:

scuba equipment ear
proear 2000

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Request for Answer Clarification by perplexed-ga on 06 Sep 2003 14:09 PDT

hi directrix-ga
What I'm looking for is a means of diving using some gear that keeps
my ears at atmospheric pressure. The equipment you have found allows
for external equalisation of whatever the ambient pressure is
(possibly several atmospheres)that results from the dive. Its very
interesting and maybe some use; it may also be the best solution
available. Could you check further and rule out (or in!) the
atmospheric pressure solution?
Thanks

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Clarification of Answer by directrix-ga on 06 Sep 2003 15:13 PDT

I have spent quite a bit of time searching, and this appears to be the
ONLY device that actually covers the ears and simplifies pressure
equalization. There is nothing currently on the market that will keep
your ears at a constant atmosphere pressure.

Well, besides a submarine!

Thanks Directrix & Scubadiver, I think I've got it now. Look out for
my next Q 'where can I buy a cheap submarine?' !!

I'm not looking for the money, just concerned. There is no way to keep
your ears at one particular pressure and the rest of you at a
different pressure. It's just a matter of physics. Because your body
is mostly liquids the pressure is transmitted through out your entire
body. Where ever you have an air space, there will be a need to
equalize the pressure in that air space. eg ears, sinus, inside of
diving masks and more (when going under water). Any device that blocks
the water from your ear has the potential of creating an additional
air space. The ears have to be equalized early (before they hurt) and
often. I equalize mine about every 3 feet until I get to 20 feet. (and
then a little less often). The pressure you feel is the same type of
pressure when a plane lands (do you fly?) or when an elevator goes
down a tall building or when you drive down a mountain. There at many
sites that explain how to equalize. This is one I have a link to that
also explains well
http://www.mtsinai.org/pulmonary/books/scuba/sectionf.htm

Thanks for the 5 star rating!

I would recommend at least finding somewhere you could rent this
device, and give it a shot. From reading the testimonials, it appears
a lot of people with over-sensitive ears were able to get back into
diving.

But good luck with that whole submarine thing. ;)