HOW TO EQUALIZE YOUR EARS WHEN DIVING
Why your ears hurt on the way down, the techniques to equalize pressure and the mistakes to avoid on every dive.
Introduction
Almost every diver has felt it: as you start to descend, pressure builds in your ears, like when a plane is landing. It is completely normal, and the fix is simple and taught from your very first course.
Knowing how to equalize your ears when diving is one of the most important skills for enjoying every dive comfortably and safely. In this guide we explain why it happens, which techniques exist and how to use them step by step.
Equalize early and often, before you feel discomfort. Never force it: if you cannot equalize, go up a little and try again.
Why do your ears hurt when diving?
Underwater, pressure increases as you descend. That pressure pushes your eardrum inward, while the air in your middle ear is still at surface pressure. The difference is what causes the discomfort.
Equalizing means sending a little air into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, a small passage that connects your ear to the back of your nose. This balances the pressure on both sides of the eardrum and the discomfort goes away.
Pressure changes are proportionally greatest near the surface, so equalize more often at the start of your descent.
Equalization techniques
Not every technique works the same for everyone. Try the one that feels most comfortable:
Valsalva
Pinch your nose and blow gently against it with your mouth closed. It is the best known.
Toynbee
Pinch your nose and swallow. The throat movement opens the Eustachian tubes.
Frenzel
Pinch your nose and push air back with your tongue, as if saying “k”. It takes practice but is very gentle.
Jaw movements
Yawning or moving your jaw forward and side to side helps some people open their ears.
Many divers combine techniques, for example swallowing while blowing gently. What matters is always being gentle.
How to equalize step by step
Practice on land before getting in the water to make sure your ears respond.
Equalize once at the surface, right before you start going down.
Descend feet first and slowly, ideally along a line.
Equalize every meter or two, without waiting to feel pain.
If you feel discomfort, go up a little, equalize and descend slowly again.
Exhale a little air through your nose into your mask so it does not squeeze.
Good buoyancy control also helps you go down at your own pace. To improve it, read master buoyancy in just a few dives.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until it hurts to start equalizing.
- Blowing hard: it can injure your ear.
- Diving with a cold, allergies or a stuffy nose.
- Descending head first and fast, without control.
- Continuing down even though one ear has not equalized.
If you use decongestants or other medication, check with a doctor first: the effect can wear off during the dive.
Signs that something is wrong
Mild discomfort that goes away when you equalize is normal. These signs, however, mean you should stop:
- Sharp pain, or pain that does not go away when you ascend.
- Dizziness or a spinning sensation.
- A blocked ear or hearing loss after diving.
- Bleeding from the nose or ear.
End the dive calmly, tell your guide and seek medical attention. Mention that you were diving.
If you are a beginner
On your first dive, your instructor will teach you to equalize in shallow water before going deeper. There is no rush: everyone has their own pace and what matters is feeling comfortable. Check our diving for beginners program and our beginner’s guide to scuba diving.
Worried about ear pressure?
Dive with guides who go at your pace. We help you practice and descend calmly from your very first dive.
See activitiesEqualizing your ears is a simple skill that gets better with practice.
Do it early and often, descend slowly, never force it and do not dive congested. That way every dive will be more comfortable and safe.
Frequently asked questions
What does equalizing your ears mean?
It means balancing the pressure in your middle ear with the water pressure by sending a little air through the Eustachian tube.
How often should I equalize?
Every meter or two on the way down, especially at the start, and always before you feel discomfort.
What if I cannot equalize?
Go up one or two meters, try again gently and signal your guide. If it still does not work, do not force it and end the dive.
Can I dive with a cold?
It is not recommended. Congestion makes equalizing harder and increases the risk of ear injury.
Do I need to equalize on the way up?
Usually the air escapes on its own as you ascend. If you feel pressure going up, stop, go down a little and ascend more slowly.