Overcoming Ear Equalisation Issues with Hoods: Tips for Divers

Scuba divers swimming
Scuba divers swimming

Equalising Difficulty When Wearing a Hood

Q: If I am not wearing a hood, I have no problems equalising my ears. When I wear a hood, I always have great difficulty. Why is that?

A: When we pressurise the middle-ear space using a Valsalva manoeuvre or other equalisation techniques, the tympanic membrane (ear drum) bulges outward slightly. If the ear canal is uncovered and can transmit that pressure, the water in the ear canal moves easily in response. A hood that fits snugly against the outer ear can greatly restrict the movement of this water, hampering the diver’s ability to equalise.

One of the easiest remedies to this is to insert a finger under the hood near the ear, which will allow the water to move more easily. Another solution some divers choose to implement is to cut a hole from the inside of the hood, near the ear canal, through the inner lining and the neoprene but leaving the outer fabric or covering intact. The hole allows the water to move with little restriction.

Sea Creatures Growing Under The Skin

Q: I read that coral cannot grow under your skin, but can other sea creatures? I scraped against something while diving; the wound healed, but a couple of weeks later I noticed redness and small, painful nodules at the site of the scrape. My doctor gave me antibiotics and prednisone, which helped, but the symptoms returned after a week of treatment and now seem to be spreading. Could something be growing in me?

A: It is possible you have an infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum), which is a very slow-growing bacterium that requires incubation periods of two to three weeks. It is not always considered in differential diagnoses because it primarily affects those specifically exposed to aquatic environments. M. marinum infections may look like jellyfish stings at the outset, and they may get better with the use of steroids such as prednisone. Although steroids can relieve symptoms, they do not address the cause of the infection. As the infection slowly spreads, additional nodules can appear along lymphatic pathways.

Cultures for M. marinum are slightly different than standard wound cultures (e.g., requiring particular growth media), and the infection may be missed if the doctor isn’t looking for it. This bacterium is resistant to many antibiotics and generally requires specific and combination antimicrobial therapy that usually lasts for two to four months. This period includes continued antibiotics for one to two months after the infection disappears. Once treatment has begun, your primary care physician, a dermatologist or an infectious disease specialist can monitor it.

DAN WORLD - ASK DAN
Overcoming Ear Equalisation Issues with Hoods: Tips for Divers 2

This article was originally published in Scuba Diver ANZ #57.

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@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
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@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS41ODI2RjhGOTVBODI2NDE5

How Long Can You Keep Air in a Cylinder? #AskMark #scubadiving

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
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JANUARY 18-26: Boot Düsseldorf (International Boat Show)
FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker 
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show 
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks 
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show 

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Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
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00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/your-worldwide-dive-show-guide-for-2025/

JANUARY 18-26: Boot Düsseldorf (International Boat Show)
FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX)
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.
00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS43OTNDNTk0OUNGMDA1MUNG

Upcoming Dive Shows in 2025 #scubadiving #diveshow

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged. 

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/ 
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged.

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

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OUR WEBSITES

Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/scubadivermag
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS4yNkZBOTQyMkYxQkQyMzc2

Spanish Cave Closed After Fatality #scuba #podcast #news

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Tim Morris
Tim Morris
1 year ago

I was frequently plagued with ear infections and equalisation problems over 50+ years of diving. A couple of my remedies were pretty straight forward. First was the idea mentioned of holes in the hood. Also helped when using an AGA full face as escaping air could vent if entered the hood. Second method was a double thin hood made by IST and used in conjunction with a special mask. The mask had ear protectors that kept the ears dry but had two air feeds from the mask. Again from IST. After a days diving, ears were washed with fresh water, NO soap ,dried and a product called OTOMISE used. Worked pretty well. No two people are the same, but my GP who is a Diving doc. reckoned it was OK for me. Hope this helps. Not sure if IST still going.

Tim Morris
Tim Morris
1 year ago

I was frequently plagued with ear infections and equalisation problems over 50+ years of diving. A couple of my remedies were pretty straight forward. First was the idea mentioned of holes in the hood. Also helped when using an AGA full face as escaping air could vent if entered the hood. Second method was a double thin hood made by IST and used in conjunction with a special mask. The mask had ear protectors that kept the ears dry but had two air feeds from the mask. Again from IST. After a days diving, ears were washed with fresh water, NO soap ,dried and a product called OTOMISE used. Worked pretty well. No two people are the same, but my GP who is a Diving doc. reckoned it was OK for me. Hope this helps. Not sure if IST still going.

Tim Morris
Tim Morris
1 year ago

I was frequently plagued with ear infections and equalisation problems over 50+ years of diving. A couple of my remedies were pretty straight forward. First was the idea mentioned of holes in the hood. Also helped when using an AGA full face as escaping air could vent if entered the hood. Second method was a double thin hood made by IST and used in conjunction with a special mask. The mask had ear protectors that kept the ears dry but had two air feeds from the mask. Again from IST. After a days diving, ears were washed with fresh water, NO soap ,dried and a product called OTOMISE used. Worked pretty well. No two people are the same, but my GP who is a Diving doc. reckoned it was OK for me. Hope this helps. Not sure if IST still going.

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