How to Equalize when Scuba Diving

Equalizing your inner ear is one of the most important parts of scuba diving. Without equalization, you will experience severe ear pain and possibly even suffer from permanent hearing loss and damage. Learning how to equalize early and often when diving will ensure that your dives are comfortable and successful.

Instructions

1. Use the Valsalva Maneuver. This is the most common way to equalize your ear pressure. Hold your nose closed, keep your mouth closed and blow gently through your nose.

2. Swallow. Swallowing is a safer way to equalize your ear pressure. Unlike with the Valsalva Maneuver, there is no fear of blowing out too hard and hurting your ears.

3. Start equalizing early. Begin practicing your equalization technique in the morning before your dive. Do it again several times on the boat out to the dive site.

4. Descend head up and feet first. It is far more challenging to equalize when you are swimming head down towards the bottom. Always descend feet first.

5. Keep your head up. Looking upwards opens the throat and air passages.

6. Equalize often. You should be equalizing before you feel any pressure or pain.

7. Ascend if you feel pain. If you experience sudden ear pain, stop, ascend a foot or two and then try to equalize. When the pain is gone, you can try to descend once more.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't take decongestants before a dive. They could wear off under water.

• Don't dive when you are sick or have allergies.