Snorkelling
The simplest way to enjoy underwater views is snorkelling with mask and snorkel or just a mask. To do so in a safe way is advised not to dive more than 10 [m] if the next day you will have to take a flight as there's the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). Just spit in your mask on both sides to avoid formation of fog and your mask will be clean longer.
Pressure to equalize!
Every meter you go deeper be aware you will need to equalize your internal pressure with the external pressure. Closing your nose with one hand and blowing and swallowing is one method to equalize. If you fail to do so, pain in your ears may occur and at depths of 10 [m] and more there is the risk for your eardrum to rupture. It is very important you equalize properly the external pressure with the pressure inside your ears, sinuses and nose.
Worth knowing that the first 10 [m] are the worst part to equalize as there is a change and raising of pressure of 100% at 10 [m] depth, therefore at that depth you find 2 [atm], the double you normally find at sea level, just 1 [atm]. Going from 30 to 40 [m] there is a change of pressure of just 25% for instance.
Decompression sickness!
DCS describes a condition arising from dissolved gas coming out of solution into bubbles inside the body on depressurization; it means you may find DCS only if you are going from a high pressure area to a lower pressure zone, example: from down the depths in the sea to sea level in a very short time or from sea level to 10000 [m] in a depressurized plane in a short lapse of time.
This is because of the nitrogen gas dissolved in our blood... well, it is dissolved at a certain pressure, the higher the pressure the better it is dissolved; but if you lose this external pressure too fast, you don't allow this gas the time necessary to remain gas and it becomes bubbles that may hinder the blood to reach vital areas like your brain.
Most of the time DCS affects shoulders with joint pain known as ''the bends''. When it affects the neurological system the most common symptom is headache and visual abnormalities.
Marco free-diving with great swim-suit... cosa c'e' scritto sopra?
Today I managed to dive at about 10 [m] and no issues equalizing!!!
How can i equalize the pressure if im using earphones??
ReplyDeleteLet's say it is not recommended to use earplugs, ear buds, earphones when diving. It may occur tympanic membrane (eardrum) rupture... Why?!... The increasing water pressure against the earphones and the decreasing volume of air between the bud and the tympanic membrane would tend to push the plug against the eardrum. The increasing water pressure also could get this bud in the ear canal. If this occurs, there is risk of external ear barotrauma.
ReplyDelete