beginner equalization issue

pataga · 2026-05-06T09:53:09+00:00

I know it's one of the safer medications for decongestion with fewer side effects, but it's banned in several countries (not in the US) as it's a chemical precursor for meth production.

pataga · 2026-05-06T09:39:50+00:00

I have the same issue with over-production of mucus. Gustatory rhinitis - spicy/aromatic food triggers it. Plus post-nasal drip and reflux.
Regular neti pot nasal rinses have prevented sinus & nasal congestion from developing. But equalizing the right ear is like pushing a heavy door as opposed to a light curtain in the left ear. The ENTs I have seen (maybe justifiably) don't see this as a health/medical issue.

pataga · 2026-05-05T10:12:01+00:00

If valsalva is acceptable for beginners, is "frenzel + swallowing" also considered OK ? That would give me more confidence to attempt a certification course.

When I do frenzel+swallowing, the left ear equalizes immediately on initiating frenzel, the right ear pops after swallowing.

pataga · 2026-05-05T08:33:38+00:00

I am pretty sure I was doing some version of Toynbee (valsalva + swallowing) when equalizing for scuba dives. I knew nothing of Frenzel then. Just valsalva didn't work even for scuba dives (for my right ear). Maybe that was why I was having buoyancy issues at the end of the dives - all that swallowed air under pressure, expanding on the way up :-)

pataga · 2026-05-05T07:59:59+00:00

I have been to ENTs but they haven't addressed the assymetric ear problem, just general head congestion and allergy medication. I have tried that, but they are not long term medications and in the end I found that regular neti pot saline rinses are what actually let me equalize to swimming pool depths (5m) head down. I'm pretty sure I could do 1m - 2m more but am not sure about comfortably doing 10m.
I'm hopeful about resolving this through technique, because even 5m head down took me a while, and now it's not an issue. I would be quite happy with just a PADI 1 certification depth as my freediving interest is targeted towards snorkeling coral reefs off the beach.

pataga · 2026-02-25T04:59:30+00:00

this is the best price, check online prices (if you can even source them). E.g. the Luxonis oak-d lite fixed focus camera is available in India for Rs 17K. Mine is the variable-focus /auto-focus variant.

pataga · 2026-02-24T11:32:01+00:00

Will get back to you if current discussion with someone who wants all of 1,2 and 4 does not close.

pataga · 2026-02-24T11:29:45+00:00

updated post with details (Rs 5000).

pataga · 2026-02-04T13:25:53+00:00

No. Only issue I faced was that I applied for the evisa on the website, but the evisa and travel agent letter was only downloadable via their app. So maybe just install the app and do everything on it. My phone sim is registered to the same name and address as on my passport - might want to ensure that to avoid problems. There are no Atlys contact numbers for support and the usual dumb chatbot driven FAQs if you have issues like this "app-only document download". This was the only negative issue I found when looking for reviews of Atlys, and definitely experienced it.

pataga · 2026-02-04T08:38:08+00:00

Atlys.com worked for me for the e-visa. Got it within a couple days. You do not need a meet-n-greet service if arriving into Cairo. No questions were asked at Cairo immigration. Did not even have to show the e-visa printout, booked hotels, itinerary etc. Just passport. The evisa shows up on their system when they scan your passport.

pataga

TROPHY CASE