Ear Problems

[jjohl 0]

I've jumped a few times before, but everytime I jump I end up with fluid in my ears and sometimes that causes ear infections. I've tried taking psuedophed before and that doesn't help. Does anyone have any other ideas that would help with my ear problems?

[skydiver604 0]

see an ear specialist, might need a good cleaning to allow the fluid to drain. I had the same problem when i was flying, a good cleaning does wonders.

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

I have ear problems following every jump, but I have learned to handle them.

The key for me is to equalize my ear pressure IMMEDIATELY upon landing. The longer that they stay unequalized the more the membranes are under stress and the more that they swell.

If I equalize promptly I can jump numerous times in a weekend without any trouble, if not..... I will have fluid in my ears for a week.

I will equalize my ear pressure BEFORE picking up my canopy. Of course, safety issues such as getting off the runway or keeping an eye on folks landing after me are more important than clearing my ears.

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[tetra316 0]

Why not equalize during the canopy decent then? Why wait until you are on the ground?

Just curious, as I've never experienced any problems. Except of course when I chose to jump with a head cold

[Beerlight 0]

First, definitely take info from those around you with a grain of salt. Two, see a doctor that's a qualified Aeromedical Examiner (AME). You can find a list at http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/, to let them determine if it is actually physical related.

Other questions:
1. Do you perform the valsalva after canopy opening?
2. Are you jumping with congestion, or a cold/sinus issue?
3. Have you had these issues before when flying?

Good luck........and for gods sake, don't go digging out your ear canals thinking this will help, cause it won't., UNLESS it's COMPLETELY blocked with ear wax.

But, see the doc.....let them make the call.

[Beachbum 0]

I had the same problem when I first started jumping. I used to scuba dive, but had to stop about 10 years ago because I began to have problems equalizing (particularly my right ear) ... and that happened after a couple of decades of diving. I got the fluid buildup, the whole works. Tried OTC meds, even a couple of prescription meds, to not avail. I found an ENT guy who worked with pilots in 'Nam to look at it. They did a CT of my sinuses, even put little bitty cameras up my nose to look around, and never found a cause. SO, like Glide mentioned he does ... I just get one or two jumps a day most of the time. I jump, wait a while to see how the ear seems to be doing, then jump again if I think it's ok (or near it!). I DO start trying to clear it as soon as I'm under canopy (or even in freefall if I think about it). Sometimes, I even get to the ground and can still hear ok ... :) ... then I'm pretty sure I'm good for the next one. Recently, I took part in formation load scrambles, and did 6 jumps in one day ... paid for it though ... LOL ... grounded for a couple of weeks. I hope your's is only a temporary problem.

As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

[GLIDEANGLE 1]

Why wait until I am on the ground? Simple, clearing my ears can take 30-60 seconds... time I don't have to mess around while under canopy. Further valsalva can result in transient vertigo... not something I want under canopy.

The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others!

[tetra316 0]

Interesting. Sounds like you may have some issues. Have you ever been checked out by a specialist?

[Sletzer 3]

I went to a boogie 2 years ago and jumped about 35 times in a few days. Hearing got worse and worse until the last day when I couldn't hear a thing out of my left ear. Went to the ear, nose, and throat specialist, and left with a tube through my left eardrum to relieve the pressue and save my hearing. Just got it removed a few months ago. Now I clear my ears under canopy and have had no problems.

That being said, if I jump congested or can't clear my ears after each jump and keep jumping anyway, I suspect I'll end up right back in the Dr.'s office with a brand new tube in my ear. Just be wary, if you keep jumping with congestion or inability to clear your ears, it CAN and WILL get worse. I had a tube in my ear as a kid so having one again wasn't that big of a deal. But still, if I had to do it all over again......

Also, if it takes that long to clear your ears you may have some issue with your eustacian tubes being blocked or unusually narrow. I'd go to a specialist.

I will be kissing hands and shaking babies all afternoon. Thanks for all your support! *bows*

SCS #8251

[jhnhll 0]

I drug this one back up because I have had the same problems everytime I Scuba or Skydive. I found this this week and it help clear my ears up. I am not connected to this site and everything they use can be bought at your local pharmacy.

Blues
John

[roostnureye 2]

have you ever tried the candles that you put in your ear and burn? they pull the wax and nasty shit right out of your ears instantly. im deaf in one ear since i was 12, i have jumped with sinus infections before where i thought i was being targeted by a "scanner" from the 80s movie where peoples heads blow up. it was BAD!!! after landing i did the valsava? and almost fell over from dizzyness. the next 3 jumps went off great. be really careful if you are really stopped up.

Flock University FWC / ZFlock
B.A.S.E. 1580
Aussie BASE 121

[DigitalDave 0]

I don't have significant ear problems, but I sometimes have a hard time clearing them. Not popping them between jumps makes them hurt a bit. I've found that chewing gum while jumping helps keep them nice and clear.

Granted you're not supposed to chew gum and skydive, and I would not recommend it to anyone. Someone will probably point out that I will bounce from it at my level.