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Step 1
Choose which equalization technique works best for you. Popular ways to equalize include the valsalva, which involves pinching your nose while gently blowing through your nose; pinching your nose while swallowing; wiggling your jaw from side to side; or swallowing while wiggling your jaw from side to side. Try out all of these techniques and decide which technique works best for you.
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Step 2
Equalize before you make your descent. Another key form to equalization is to pre-equalize your ears before you descend and before you feel any discomfort. Then continue to equalize as you descend every few feet. If you follow this step, you shouldn’t feel any kind of ear pain.
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Step 3
Do a feet first descent. Another good way to help with equalization is to descend feet first. Equalization is more difficult when you dive head first.
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Step 4
If you do have trouble equalizing your ears, do not keep going down. Instead, ascend a few feet. Are you able to equalize your ears now? If not, then you should let your dive partner know that you need to abort the dive. You should never try to force equalization, as you risk permanently damaging your eardrum.
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Step 5
Sometimes you may have trouble equalizing due to a wet suit hood that is too tight or because you’re wearing ear plugs, both of which can create an air space that won’t equalize. To prevent this, pull your hood away from you a little bit so that you can equalize. Never wear regular ear plugs; only wear the special vented kind that are designed for scuba diving equalization.
