A new question (middle ear pressure equalization)

[tsw77]

I start my lessons at Quantum in Chandler, AZ at the end of Aug. This is also my first question and/or post on here.

 

I have been skydiving 3 different times. On each occasion I have had to plug my nose and blow to equalize my ears.

 

I went and got my class 2 medical soon after I decided I was going to fly helicopters. I asked the doctor about the equalization, and he told me to have my instructor take me up to 5000' a couple of times, and out the door he went. A bit of a $%#&head in general.

 

There is a lot of information about this on scuba diving websites, like techniques, and medical issues that interfere with the equalization, but I have yet to see anything about this topic here, or anywhere that cross references to flying helicopters.

 

 

AND NOW THE QUESTION...

 

Has anybody here ever have, or know anybody who has had a problem with this, and how does it play a role in their ability to fly Helicopters? Will I have to wear a nose plug to be able to keep both hands on both controls at all times? A little funny I know, but I will do what I have to do.

 

Thanks for any (wise and experienced) input,

[Pogue]

The only time I ever even noticed my ears "pop" was when doing an autorotation with stuffed up sinuses. If you don't have problems with flying in a commercial aircraft I don't think a helicopter will be a problem.

[johnnyseko]

When I started training, my ears would get blocked up pretty bad. Even back on the ground after a flight they would stay that way for quite a while.

 

Funny you mentioned scuba..... When getting certified I got major reverse block and had trouble clearing. That was when I went to an ENT (ear,nose,throat specialist). He came to the conclusion that I had to have my adnoids removed. Well, I went ahead with it and had the surgury....couldn't just give up diving ya know!

 

Well, it worked! For both flying and diving. Also my sense of smell got a boost as well. Not sure if that's a good thing or not though, especially when we're flying over cow fields.

[CYGNUS I]

Hey tsw,

 

I have 300 skydives and I can tell you it's a whole different ballgame. For one on average you fly 500" agl as opposed to 13,000. Your decent rate is a 100 times slower than a skydive, so you equalize gradually. I am just about to get my private and can't recall one time I had to clear my ears or even felt like they were plugged up. Just my experience. You will have fun at Quantum its a great school>

 

Later

[John90290]

I use these when i travel for work.

 

http://www.cirrushealthcare.com/EarPlanes-C8.aspx

 

i don't need them as much for the equalization in the helicopter but it's nice to get a little extra hearing protection.

[FauxZ]

When I flew fixed wing I used to have "problems." Nothing painful, just a general discomfort for a day or so after each flight. I have not had a similar problem with helicopters. In fact, today was the first time I've been over 5k' in about 8 months and all I had to do was pop my ears when i was back on the ground.

[joker]

tsw77,

Most people's ears pop on planes because they don't know how to equalise properly or do it too late. Occasionally its due to a blockage; flu or cold or something.

 

In diving the issue is more pertinent as the pressure changes are more rapid. Same reasons for skydiving too. Remember its not the altitude that's the factor, its the rate of change of altitude (pressure) which causes the problems.

 

JohnnySeko, mentions a reverse block (pain on ascent). I feel for him here. In aviation having pain going up is not a problem...you can always come down and the pain will subside. In diving though, pain on the way up (reverse block) is horrible. I had one so bad, I almost felt like sitting there at six meters until my air ran out. I took about 15 minutes to ascend that last 6m.

 

A pain on decent is more common. Divers call this a 'squeeze'. A squeeze in diving is not a major issue...just return to the surface and abort the dive if its too bad. In avaiation, pain on descent is more of an issue. You can't stay up all day.

 

Generally ear barotraumer is not a major issue with helicopters. Someone mentioned autorotations. Yes, you might feel a little discomfort here, as the descent rate is higher (1500-2000fpm). After a while (and especially as instructor) you'll learn to cope with this without even needing your hands. An instructor can't take hands of the controls during the student's first auto. Just like when teaching emergency ascents diving, we have to have control of our own bouyancy, and the student, and 'keep contact with the line' (PADI standards for CESA). No hands left to equalise!

 

My company has a maximum limit of 1000 feet per minute with passengers. This is to be kind to them. This is something to consider when you are taking pax too. They might not be as skillful at managing their equalisation as you or your instructor. Stick to 1000 fpm in climb and descent, and most pax should be alright.

 

The human is designed to cope with subtle pressure changes, and we have invented ways of coping with more severe changes (Valsalva). Ear plugs and accessories should not be necessary for most people.

 

Pilot's can help themselves by being sensible with their flying.

 

-Don't fly with flu or colds or any other ailment which may cause congestion of the eustachain tubes and sinuses.

-Be very wary of using de-congestants for these....they might wear off in flight / dive.

-Learn the proper methods of equalising, such as wiggling your jaw, yawing, swallowing and Valsalva.

-And the PADI favourite....Equalise EARLY AND OFTEN!

 

Joker

Edited July 29, 2007 by joker