Equalizing Your Ears While Diving: An Easy Beginner's Guide
BY NAMUBAKShare
Why should you equalize your ears when diving?
When you descend into the water, pressure increases rapidly, especially in the first few meters. This pressure pushes your eardrums inward and can cause discomfort or even pain if left unchecked. Equalizing your ears means equalizing the internal pressure with the external pressure, and is key to avoiding injuries like barotrauma.
Although it sounds complicated, equalizing your ears is something you already do naturally when swallowing, yawning, or during a flight. In diving, you just need to learn to do it consciously and frequently during descent.
Techniques for equalizing your ears underwater
1. Valsalva maneuver (the most common)
Block your nose and exhale gently without letting out any air. This method pushes air into the middle ear and equalizes the pressure. Don't do it forcefully: keep it gentle and steady.
2. Frenzel maneuver (more advanced)
Instead of blowing forcefully, this technique uses the tongue and throat muscles to push air out. It's more efficient and consumes less oxygen, but it requires practice.
3. Toynbee maneuver
Hold your nose and swallow. It's a very gentle way to equalize and works well for many people, especially in the first few meters.
4. Move your jaw as if yawning
Many new divers find relief simply by opening their jaw or moving it forward as if yawning. This is a useful complementary technique.
Important tips for proper equalization
- Do it from the surface. Don't wait until you feel discomfort; start equalizing before descending.
- Equalize frequently. Every half meter if necessary.
- Descend slowly and calmly. If you're having trouble equalizing, ask your instructor to slow down.
- Never force it. If you feel pain, stop the descent and go back up a few inches before trying again.
What if I can't equalize?
Don't worry. Many people struggle at first, but with guidance and practice, they can get there. In our diving courses in Namubak, we work with you step by step to help you feel confident. If you have any questions or discomfort, always let your instructor know.
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