What if you could prevent equalizing issues and never miss a dive again?
89% of divers do not equalize correctly, and 29% have had to stay out of the water for days, weeks, or even months due to problems caused by incorrect equalization. It’s hard to think that you could be part of the 6.3% of divers who now have permanent ear damage caused by pushing too hard and trying to force their ears to clear. This should be taught in your open-water class, or even in Discover Scuba, swimming, and snorkeling classes. It is the most common reason adults and kids do not continue diving or complete their courses, or dive after their courses.
As long as you have no physical reason you can’t equalize and have been advised by a doctor, this is not an activity you can partake in, then let’s make equalizing problems a thing of the past.
As beginner divers, we are taught to pinch our nostrils and blow against a blocked nose. This technique results in overpressure at the back of your throat, forcing air up into the Eustachian tubes and creating a ‘popping’ sound in your ears. This works for many divers, but for others it does not work or can cause ear damage, nosebleeds, or headaches.
 This technique does not actively engage the muscles in opening the Eustachian tubes. If you do use this technique, make sure you do not maintain pressure for more than 3 seconds and do not blow too hard. Remember to ascend slowly, releasing the pressure if you feel pain, and before you blow.
There are 5 better, safer, and healthier ways to equalize
- Toynbee Maneuver: Pinch your nose and swallow at the same time.
- Lowry Technique: Pinch your nose, blow against your nose, and swallow at the same time.
- Edmonds Technique: Pinch your nose, blow against it while moving your jaw forward and downwards.
- Frenzel Maneuver: Pinch your nose and make the sound of the letter ‘K’ at the same time.
- Voluntary Tubal Opening Technique: Tense your throat and push your jaw forward and downwards.
These five techniques and maneuvers will change the way you dive for the rest of your diving life.
If you would like to learn more about equalizing and the potential issues you face if you don’t equalize correctly. As well as new and safer ways to clear your ears on a dive. DAN Ears is my number 1 resource for dive medicine and advice.
