Scuba diving can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to know how to equalize properly during descent to avoid discomfort or even injury. Some people can do this as easily as breathing, but for the rest of us, it takes some practice. Usually, my left year takes very little effort to equalize and “keep happy” during descent, but my left one always demands extra effort and attention.
Equalizing is the process of balancing the pressure in your ears, sinuses, and mask with the surrounding water pressure. Here are some tips and techniques to help scuba divers more effectively equalize during descent:
Start Early and equalize often
It’s important to start equalizing early and often, even before you feel any discomfort. Begin equalizing on the surface, and continue every few feet as you descend. This will help prevent any pressure build-up and keep your ears and sinuses comfortable.
It is recommended to equalize every two feet of descent. At a fairly slow descent rate of 60 feet per minute, that’s an equalization every two seconds. Many divers descend much faster and should be equalizing constantly.
The good news is that, as you go deeper, you’ll have to equalize less often. For example, a descent of six feet from the surface will compress your middle ear space by 20% and produce pain. But from 30 feet you’d have to descend another 12.5 feet to get the same 20% compression.
When you reach your maximum depth, equalize again. Though the negative pressure in your middle ear may be so small that you don’t feel it, if it’s maintained over several minutes it can gradually cause barotrauma
Descend Feet First
Descending feet first can also help with equalization. This is because your head will be tilted slightly upward, which can help to open the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears more easily. If you feel that you are having trouble equalizing, it is easy to kick lightly, go up and try again.
Blow Your Nose before the dive
I find that blowing my nose when I am in the water, just before starting my descent helps me clear any blockage and helps a lot. Once you put your mask, you can also gently exhale through your nose, while keeping the mask pressed to your face. As a bonus, this helps equalize your mask.
Swallowing Technique
One of the most common equalization techniques is the swallowing technique. This involves swallowing your saliva, which helps to open the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears. You can also try yawning or moving your jaw from side to side. I try to look up, when doing this. You may look weird to the local fish and fellow divers, but you don’t care about that, right?
Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver involves pinching your nose and gently blowing air into your nostrils, which helps to equalize the pressure in your ears. This technique is effective but should be done gently to avoid injuring your eardrums. Blow very gently and never force it. If it does not work, go up a bit and try again, or try one of the other techniques.
Toynbee Maneuver
The Toynbee maneuver involves pinching your nose and swallowing while also closing your mouth. This technique helps to equalize the pressure in your ears and sinuses at the same time.
Frenzel Maneuver
The Frenzel maneuver is a more advanced technique that involves closing your throat and using the muscles in the back of your mouth to pump air into your Eustachian tubes. Close your nostrils, and close the back of your throat as if straining to lift a weight. Then make the sound of the letter “K.” This forces the back of your tongue upward, compressing air against the openings of your Eustachian tubes. This technique requires practice, but it can be very effective for divers who have difficulty equalizing with other techniques.
Practice Makes Perfect
Divers who experience difficulty equalizing may find it helpful to master several techniques. Many are difficult until practiced repeatedly, but this is one scuba skill you can practice anywhere. Try practicing in front of a mirror so you can watch your throat muscles. It may feel weird, but it helps!
Lastly, remember to take your time and be gentle to avoid discomfort or injury. Happy diving!