I've been meaning for a while to share my praises for a great product: Doc's Proplugs. I first saw them advertised in the DAN magazine, and after ordering my first pair I've been using them for years. They are sized, fitted earplugs that have a vent that allows equalization and hence can be used for scuba diving -- just be sure to order the vented model if you're going to use them for diving. When fitted properly (they come in a bunch of different sizes) they completely seal out water. I use them for lap swimming in a pool every day and no more need for jumping around like a monkey on one foot trying to get the water out of your ears. They are also great for scuba divers (as well as freedivers, surfers, etc) since they seal out the water (no more worries about ear infections or need to use home-made or commercial ear drops to dry out your ears) while allowing you to equalize, but I believe (and I don't think this can be proven, but is my opinion) that they make equalizing a bit easier. They have absolutely helped with various ear problems I've had on dive trips. If interested, you can check them out at www.proplugs.com or at many dive shops and surf shops.

Scott, I have been Diving for 41 years and have had ear infrctions 35 of those years. It got to the point that I would call my ENT doctor before a dive trip and get my perscription before we left on vacation. We saw Doc's ProPlug display at Our World Underwater in Chicago 6 years ago and I was fitted and bought a pair. Well I haven't had any ear trouble at all.. Infact when I leave the water after a dive now it feels like I haven't been in the water at all! No more shaking your head to get the traped water out.. Pro-Plugs have truly changed my life. The best $8 I ever spent.... Ron My wife uses them just to stop the Pluged-up feeling...

Yeah, they are a great product. I just keep them in their case in my BC pocket and put them on right before entering the water. I do clean them in alcohol every few days to keep the cooties at bay. For those who are interested, be aware that you do have to get the right size, and if you're going to use them for diving you MUST get the vented version. I lost a plug coming out of the water once on Bonaire, and was able to get a new pair at the last dive shop (can't think of the name) on the south end of the main street through town. At least at that time, they carried a good selection of them.

Just have to tell my story here. I started diving in the summer of 95 and to make a long story short, quickly found I had a very thin spot on one eardrum. The eardrum ruptured very easily. The first ENT told me to give up diving. I'm just not the kind of person to give up on anything. The second ENT told me he thought he could repair it, so I went for it. The graft didn't completely take initially, so he did a little in office procedure that initially seemed to work fine. After almost a full week of diving the repaired area still would not hold up. After much research I have learned that repaired areas are never as strong as the original. Anyway, I continued diving, with what is now a permanent hole in my eardrum. No big deal for me, no vertigo when the water rushed in, no infections, (I always keep two particular antibiotics with me just in case but do not use them unless I feel I must).
During my quest I came upon Doc's Proplugs and gave them a try. Although they are well made and do as advertised they weren't much help for my problem, water still enters the ear, though in much smaller volumes. I would however highly recommend them for anyone water skiiing, or surfing because they would go a long way in protecting the ear in an impact with the water.
Then I came upon a mask being developed that sounded like it would be perfect for my situation.
http://www.proear2000.com/
I now have about 250 dives with this mask and no water ever enters my ears. I can't say enough about the mask. It is of decent quality and definitley works as promised. It would be ideal for anyone that has certain ear problems or anyone diving in not so clean water. The only drawback is it makes you look like a bug. I'm old enough to have gotten by the looks thing though.
I don't think this mask ever really went over that well primarily because there aren't really that many people out there that would need to use one, but for those that may, it's wonderful and allows me to dive with no ear problems at all.

By the way, that is their original website and is very outdated, but the info is very useful. The mask is still available and at a much lower cost, usually about $80 or less. Anyone can do a search and find multiple places to purchase.

Well I just bought some plugs for my wife who always has problems and can usually get just a couple dives per visit. I'm hoping she'll have the same success you have had. She tried it in the pool and they worked down to 5-6 feet, while not very deep she often has problems at this shallow depth as well. She is very optimistic for our March 2006 trip. Her problem is mainly clearing. Thanks for the info, it worth the $12 try.

If your Plugs were sized properly the lanyard is not needed. I know it sounds nasty but if you wet the plugs with your mouth before inatllation in the ear you will not loose them. The lanyard gets caught on dive gear and pulls them out. Once out you can't reinstall them underwater.. Ron

I've have problems equalizing and bought a pair and I LOVE them.

Ron, I will have to give that a try. I've almost lost mine several times.

Scott, do you recall the name and/or location of the dive store in Bon that sells the ear plugs?

I had to abort my last dive after 20 minutes because I couldn't equalize.

Thank's

Mitch

I can't recall the name of the store, but I'll try my best to relate where it is. If you're on the main, one-way street thru town, and are walking south (so the water is on your right), pass Mona Lisa restaurant on your right, keep walking all the way to the end of the one-way street. It's the last dive/gift store on the left. I remember they also carry Teva brand sandals, so if you see them, you're in the right place. Make sure you get the right size and the vented, NOT non-vented plugs.

That said, please remember all your training and knowledge on equalization problems. Proplugs MIGHT help, but are not a magic answer. Try equalizing on land; if you can't, you're blocked. Sudafed or ibuprofen might help, but some experts advise against it. Also, try equalizing BEFORE you enter the water, again at the surface, and gently equalize every few feet on the way down. Do NOT wait until you feel pressure. Equalizing often can help a lot.

Good luck!

Thank's Scott:
always have done as you suggested. Never had a problem equalizing in the past at any depth. Had a lot of humidity here in the Northeast and I've been "stuffy" for the few days prior to that dive.

don't mind aborting a dive 40 miles away........but don't want to abort on my next trip to Bon.

Thank's again,

Mitch

Mitch--
Somehow I thought from your post that you were in Bonaire. Not sure where you are in the northeast -- I'm in southeastern NH -- but if you're anywhere in the Boston area I can give you suggestions of who carries proplugs.

Scott: I'm in the Albany, NY area at the present time and will be making my 4th. trip to Bonaire this October.
Always appreciate any info about diving.
Dive shops in this area are becoming few and far between.

Thank's

Mitch

Mitch, when in October will you be going.. there will be a great crowd of Bters there in Oct..

Scott I was always taught to start equalizing when I woke up before a dive day,, I dont have problems with my ears until about the 6th day of diving 4-5 dives a day and then they are just plain tired and need a rest.. I have a friend that wears the ear plugs and he swears by them...

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If you know the proper size of Pro-Plugs you can order them on line. I bring 3 sets with me diving. Have only lost 1 plug in 6 years and the one I lost was my fault.. Ron

Oct. 15th - 29th At Dive-Inn #3 Seaside.. Can't wait... Feel like a little kid waiting for SANTA when I think of Bonaire... Ron

Freddie:
We will arrive the afternoon of Oct. 15, 2005 for a weeks stay in Bon.

Mitch

Question for the board:
Has anyone had any problems flying out of JFK and/or Bon while packing a Spare Air container?
I purchased the "Travel Pack" that indicates the FAA allows the Spare Air in checked luggage if empty, with the reg. removed.
Any info.
Thank's
Mitch