Advice needed for a 1st time skydiver: SINUS CONGESTION / EAR PAIN

[Gapagos 0]

Hi I'd like to try tandem skydiving for the 1st time, I have never ever done this, but one thing scares me particularly:

Ear pain due to change in air pressure.

I think my ears are more subject to ear pain as:

- they always clog when I'm on a landing airplane (which is relatively normal), and I can manage to unclog them at "almost" (not completely) the same rate as they clog...
- they also clog when I ski downhill fairly fast (on double blacks at my average speed) although I can unclog them virtually instantly.

- I experienced ear pain only once when I was a kid in an airplane as I had a significant cold. It was a very unpleasant experience, but it never occurred again.

---

However I'm pretty sure I have thinner-than-average sinuses, as they congest easily (I'm used to it) and my dad has the same problem.

I am advised to never ever skydive if I have signs of a cold or sinus congestion, and otherwise my ears should be fine if I unclog them regularly as I fall.

Still, this whole thing intimidates me, as skydiving with slightly congested sinuses can supposedly cause unbearable pain, and even eardrum damage, or so I've read. The skydive drop is quite a big one, we jump from 13,500 feet and are expected 50 to 60 seconds of freefall then 5-7 minutes of parachute.

I emailed my potential skydiving school about it and they replied, essentially saying:
- avoid jumping if you have a cold or sinus congestion
- SUDAFED is the only decongestant that pilots can consume
- people who have trouble typically have thicker eardrums (might be my case?) and are recommended to oil their ear drums before the jump.
Therefore, he suggested me to see a doctor to see if he can direct me to medications, oils or drops to make my eardrums more flexible. (not
being specific).
The guy claims he did 1570 jumps and his ears clogs while jumping, but
they do not hurt, although they do hurt when he does scuba diving
(which I never did so I can't relate).

I'd like to know what's your take on this. Any advice you have for me? Anything to predict if the skydive might turnout painful instead of enjoyable? Any recommendations? Should I just avoid skydiving?

Thank you.

Gapagos

[skymama 37]

I'm an allergy sufferer and am often a little congested on a normal basis. I take the 12 hour, non-drowsy sudafed and it works well for me when I skydive. That's just when I'm a little stuffy, if I'm having a real hard time breathing, I stay on the ground. You might also try clearing your sinuses with a neti-pot before you go, that helps a lot too.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[dragon2 2]

My advice is to go staticline, no tandem or AFF. I always have clogged sinusses, did SL myself, went well until the 2nd jump from 12k, tore my eardrum then. Hurt like hell and turned out I had a sinus infection that I didn't know about yet After that though, I'm better at altitude than I was before, I always had trouble being a few feet under water, when the car went through a tunnel etc, that's all much less of a probem now. So for me it worked out. We have another girl at our DZ with ear trouble, she did SL too and now usually goes up to 7k only, it's working for her so far. But the risk is there. If it's worth it to you, i'd strongly advise SL to find out where your limits are. Also my doctor knew I was jumping and said it was ok(ish), also he forbade me sudafed... and no jumping if you have a cold, although in my case I tend to ignore that until it hurts or I get nosebleeds, as i'm clogged up more or less always. But you need experience to tell you when it's ok to jump and when it's not.

ciel bleu,
Saskia

[labrys 0]

Maybe this would be a better question for a doctor than a bunch of beer swilling skydivers who have no idea what the condition of your eardrums and sinuses are

It's not too likely that you're going to have the opportunity to clear your ears in freefall unless you can do it without using your hands. I chew gum to clear my ears in an airplane, but gum probably isn't a good idea in freefall either. The last thing you want to risk is choking on it out the door....

One thing you might do is go to http://www.skydiveradio.com/shows.htm and listen to show #54. It's an interview with an ear, nose, and throat specialist about the effects of skydiving on the ears.

Owned by Remi #?

[Gapagos 0]

yeah I googled and listened to that show already, I found it very informative ;-)
it does highlight the severity of ear damage in extreme cases.

[Fast 0]

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yeah I googled and listened to that show already, I found it very informative ;-)
it does highlight the severity of ear damage in extreme cases.

My advice is to stop getting medical information on the internet. Find a doctor that understands aviation and go talk to that person. The people (excepting a few people who I have yet to see post in this thread) are not doctors and have no relevant way to give you advice about your personal health.

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[Gapagos 0]

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yeah I googled and listened to that show already, I found it very informative ;-)
it does highlight the severity of ear damage in extreme cases.

My advice is to stop getting medical information on the internet. Find a doctor that understands aviation and go talk to that person. The people (excepting a few people who I have yet to see post in this thread) are not doctors and have no relevant way to give you advice about your personal health.

Yeah yeah I will surely find medical advice, but I most likely won't be able to see it before the April 20th deadline in which my friend wants me to make a $50 deposit. I am supposed to see a doctor on the 22nd but for unrelated matters (to get a prescription renewal for an asthma inhaler for a 5km race I might be doing in late may) so I'll ask her about skydiving at the same time, but she'll probably redirect me to an ear doctor who would know better.

But anyway it won't happen before the 20th so I think I'm considering not doing the skydiving with them. :-(

[Andy_Copland 0]

Disclaimer: Not a Dr

But i have had serious ear troubles. I perforated my ear drum twice (not jumping), had multiple ear infections and had grommets too. I couldnt go through a tunnel on a train without feeling like my ears were going to explode

I never saw a Dr which was silly and just decided to figure it out on my own. I find im fine skydiving (now at least) but a hop n pop is really nice to sort of get my ears used to the pressure changes. It actually helps.

Aimed at skydivers in general, if you have ear probs see a Dr. Also i can say dont go freeflying on the first load as the increased airspeed gives me the biggest problems, and i like to do a belly jump first to get my ears ready for a beating.


First time i ever approached a fast freefly speed (189mph) i thought i was going to pass out with the pain under canopy. Its not good.

I can't stress enough to see a Dr, i probably could have done some serious damage to myself. It sure feels like it at times.

1338

People aint made of nothin' but water and shit.

Until morale improves, the beatings will continue.

[bfilarsky 0]

I agree with everyone on board here to go see a doctor if you have worse than normal pressure change problems.

I may be a newbie at skydiving, but I do have a bit of experience in general aviation. The trick I've had students use (and occasionally used myself) with much success for ear pain/clogging (not sinuses) was something I learned in SCUBA. Before you jump, plug your nose and blow hard until you feel your ears pop. Repeat until it happens really easily (usually 4-10 times). This clears out your eustachian tubes, which is where the blockage happens. As I said, it does wonders for any kind of pressure change from skydiving to aviation to SCUBA. Make sure you talk to someone with MD at the end of their name!!!

[Shepp 0]

Emmanuel -

I made my first tandem while I was recovering from a cold (The waiver form did not mention having a head cold, nor did anybody ask me - I just assumed it was not an issue). I did not feel congested at all, but apparently I still was. During/after the jump, my sinuses and ears felt like they were about to explode - sharp, stabbing pain. After that I couldn't hear out of my right ear for two days. I would definitely consult a doctor in your case.

You might find this episode of Skydive Radio particularly interesting. The guys have an interview with Dr. Stuart Selkin, who is an Ear/Nose/Throat doctor and also a skydiver. The conversation covers many of the topics you brought up.

Skydive Radio Show #54

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.

Accidents don't just happen. They must be carelessly planned.

[Skydivesg 7]

I too would advise going to a Doctor.
I've been dealing with ear problems on and off for most of my jumping career.

I take Sudafed almost every day I jump. I've learned that it helps to take it a day or two leading up to a busy jump weekend so I get rid of any congestion I might have and then continue to take it while I'm jumping.

I've never tried the neti-pot but I've heard it is amazing for anyone with sinus problems.

I have gone to a doctor when I have an event coming up that I just can't afford to miss, such as a competition or world record attempt.
At this time I explain what's going on and my concern and the Dr prescibes something that will take away any congestion and that always does the trick.

There are ways to do this if you want it bad enough.

Good luck and happy landings.

Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

[Gapagos 0]

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I agree with everyone on board here to go see a doctor if you have worse than normal pressure change problems.

I may be a newbie at skydiving, but I do have a bit of experience in general aviation. The trick I've had students use (and occasionally used myself) with much success for ear pain/clogging (not sinuses) was something I learned in SCUBA. Before you jump, plug your nose and blow hard until you feel your ears pop. Repeat until it happens really easily (usually 4-10 times). This clears out your eustachian tubes, which is where the blockage happens. As I said, it does wonders for any kind of pressure change from skydiving to aviation to SCUBA. Make sure you talk to someone with MD at the end of their name!!!

That sounds like a very good tip. Maybe I should practice that and see if it can make my ear drums more flexible.

And as I said I'm gonna see a doctor on the 22nd for an asthma inhaler renewal prescription as I'm gonna do my first 5km (about 3.5 miles) race in late may, so I'll ask about the skydiving at the same time.

The peer pressure from my buddies to ignore veteran advice on here is getting a bit tiresome though, since all of you seem to agree about the importance of seeing a doctor and the pain / ear damage that might occur.

[labrys 0]

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The peer pressure from my buddies to ignore veteran advice on here is getting a bit tiresome though, since all of you seem to agree about the importance of seeing a doctor and the pain / ear damage that might occur.

Ignore your buddy. Talk to a doc.

Owned by Remi #?

[Stuntbabex 0]

I have pretty sensitive ears and used to always get ear infections and terrible pains in planes as a kid. Now its not so bad and Im able to skydive without much of a problem. On some jumps I had some terrible pressure pain on my ears on the way down and the only way to get rid of it was to pop my ears a couple times during the jump. I assume this has to do with the weather?

I dunno Im not giving advice or anything. Im just sharing my experience, being someone who cant dive more than 8ft under water without getting unbearable ear pain.

Like the others said, go see a doc if you think it will be that much of a problem

[Halfpastniner 0]

If your doctor does clear you, remember that if you can't clear your ears on the ground DO NOT GO.

Last year I jumped with a head cold and i couldnt pop either of my ears for almost a full week (Until someone told me to take sudafed, which helps a ton!)

BASE 1384

[funjumper101 15]

I have never had issues with clearing my ears. I have had issues with the one or the other sinuses under my eyes. The pain can be very intense. It feels just like an icepick has been stuck into my face on one side.
I got into the habit of using sudafed, aka, dry up medicine, before jumping, or before flying on the airlines. It worked fine.
When I mentioned it to my doctor, he told me that it wasn't a good idea and listed off a whole bunch of reasons why. I don't remember the details, but he was pretty convincing.
He recommended a product called Mucinex, which is an expectorant. It works like a champ. No problems with plugged sinuses. It doesn't make my nose run or produce any symptoms. I just don't have any more sinus issues when flying or skydiving.

[Beerlight 0]

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people who have trouble typically have thicker eardrums (might be my case?) and are recommended to oil their ear drums before the jump.

Agree with everyone. See a doc prior. And I can tell you, the eardrum thickness has absolutely nothing to do with air pressure exchange and clearing your ears/sinuses. PPPlease, don't listen to whoever told you that..... Do not ever clear your ears on ascent (ie valsalva). It's used Only on descent.

[Gapagos 0]

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people who have trouble typically have thicker eardrums (might be my case?) and are recommended to oil their ear drums before the jump.

Agree with everyone. See a doc prior. And I can tell you, the eardrum thickness has absolutely nothing to do with air pressure exchange and clearing your ears/sinuses. PPPlease, don't listen to whoever told you that..... Do not ever clear your ears on ascent (ie valsalva). It's used Only on descent.

The person who emailed me that (about the eadrum thickness) is the skydiver with supposedly 15,000+ jumps who is working at the skydiving school where I might tandem at and who claims he also dives underwater.

And so if my ears clog during ascent, I should make sure to keep them clogged (avoid yawning or swallowing too much), as it will help them clog less during descent?

[labrys 0]

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The person who emailed me that (about the eadrum thickness) is the skydiver with supposedly 15,000+ jumps who is working at the skydiving school where I might tandem at and who claims he also dives underwater.

And so if my ears clog during ascent, I should make sure to keep them clogged (avoid yawning or swallowing too much), as it will help them clog less during descent?

Sigh. The person who emailed you might be a really experienced skydiving and scuba diving, but is probably NOT qualified to give medical advise. Here's the plan. Let your tandem instructor know you might have ear / sinus congestion problems so that they're expecting the possible thrashing in pain, blood, and snot explosion that might happen when you jump.

Owned by Remi #?

[Gapagos 0]

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Let your tandem instructor know you might have ear / sinus congestion problems so that they're expecting the possible thrashing in pain, blood, and snot explosion that might happen when you jump.

Way to be encouraging...

[labrys 0]

Well... every time someone suggests that you should see a doc before you jump you come back with an excuse about why you don't need to or can't.

You've been encouraged over and over again. Time for the blunt truth of it. I've seen people have to clean that crap out of their helmets. It ain't pretty.

Owned by Remi #?

[Gapagos 0]

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Well... every time someone suggests that you should see a doc before you jump you come back with an excuse about why you don't need to or can't.

You've been encouraged over and over again. Time for the blunt truth of it. I've seen people have to clean that crap out of their helmets. It ain't pretty.

No no I said since the start I was going to see a doctor on the 22nd, didn't you notice ;-) I can't before.

[labrys 0]

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No no I said since the start I was going to see a doctor on the 22nd, didn't you notice ;-) I can't before.

Yes, I remember that. I also remember that you kept fishing for approval because you had to pay a deposit before you could see the doc. Why can't you just wait a day or two to pay the deposit?

I don't mean to come off .... well... "mean" but a skydive isn't an amusement park ride. What happens if you pay your deposit and the doc tells you jumping wouldn't be a good idea? Did you even make an appt. with a doc who is familiar with aviation physiology?

I'm concerned that you'll contradict your doctor's advise and jump anyway, increasing the risk to both you and your instructor or you'll lose your money.

Owned by Remi #?

[Beerlight 0]

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And so if my ears clog during ascent, I should make sure to keep them clogged (avoid yawning or swallowing too much), as it will help them clog less during descent?

If your ears clog on ascent, you prolly shouldn't be jumping.

But, let me explain. Air expands during ascent. Air in your intestines, your ears/sinuses, lungs and even your teeth on occasion. Google "Boyles Law".

When the air in your "middle ear" expands during ascent, it vents thru your eustachian tube and escapes automatically, never a need other than maybe a jaw rock usually does the trick. "On occasion" a person blocks during ascent because they have tons of gunk (medical term I like) in their eustachian tube, thus preventing equalization.

During descent, the reverse is true. Problem with descents are the eustachian tube doesn't like to let air back "in". Typically people have to overcome the restriction by some method. ie., the Valsalva or swallowing, rocking the jaw...etc.

Let's say your in freefall, air pressure increasing but you can't valsalva because your eustachian tube is blocked with gunk. You try to perform a valsalva to force air into the middle ear cavity to "equalize" with the outside air pressure. But alas, you can't. Your eardrum gets pushed "inward". With that comes pain my friend. Sinuses are basically the same way. They hurt much much worse though!

Damage to the extent of permanent hearing loss can occur from a bad ear or sinus block.

p.s. Good luck.

[Gapagos 0]

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No no I said since the start I was going to see a doctor on the 22nd, didn't you notice ;-) I can't before.

Yes, I remember that. I also remember that you kept fishing for approval because you had to pay a deposit before you could see the doc. Why can't you just wait a day or two to pay the deposit?

I don't mean to come off .... well... "mean" but a skydive isn't an amusement park ride. What happens if you pay your deposit and the doc tells you jumping wouldn't be a good idea? Did you even make an appt. with a doc who is familiar with aviation physiology?

I'm concerned that you'll contradict your doctor's advise and jump anyway, increasing the risk to both you and your instructor or you'll lose your money.

-- Thanks for your concern. :-)
I actually already emailed the school to ask them if I could wait for my doctor's advice before making a deposit unlike my friends, and pay later with their group saving rates as if I had a deposit anyway.
The school replied to give me the green light and told me not to worry about making a deposit. So it's all good.

Also, the deposit was only $50 and quite honestly, I'm well-off so losing $50 wouldn't have been a big deal to me.

When I'll see my doctor, I'll ask her for a more specific reference of a sinus doctor or a doctor who would know a bit about skydiving and I'll try to get an even better opinion.

I know I sounded a bit like a wreckless teenager asking for advice then not listening to it, but I really am not, and am taking this very seriously. In fact, 2 of my friends are claiming I take it TOO seriously, but really, they know nothing about skydiving and I'm not gonna fall for this sort of peer pressure.

I really appreciate all your answers, and the reason I can't see a doctor now (besides waiting lines) is because I'm in the middle of school exams.