When you dive underwater, the pressure caused by the weight of the water increases rapidly with depth. This natural phenomenon is mainly felt in the ears. From the very first few meters, discomfort sets in, similar to what you experience in the mountains or on an airplane, but more intense.
Pressure equalization is an essential skill that every diver must master in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable dive. Here’s how to do it, why it’s so important, and what techniques exist to do it effectively.
Why is it necessary to equalize ear pressure?
The middle ear, located behind the eardrum, is an air-filled cavity. When diving, water pressure increases by approximately 1 bar every 10 meters. This pressure is exerted on the eardrum, which is pushed inward if the internal pressure of the middle ear is not adjusted. To avoid this painful deformation, divers must increase the air pressure in the middle ear to equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
Without compensation, the pressure difference causes discomfort, then acute pain at depths of just a few meters. In the most serious cases, this can lead to damage to the eardrum, bleeding, or even perforation. In addition to immediate pain, this can cause dizziness and dangerous loss of balance underwater.
What happens during equalizing?
The ear consists of the outer ear, the eardrum, the middle ear, and the Eustachian tube.
The eardrum is a flexible membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear.
The Eustachian tube is a closed cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear to the nose, measuring a few millimeters in length. Each time you swallow or yawn, small muscles contract, opening this tube and allowing air to pass from the nose to the middle ear.
When a diver descends to depth, the pressure outside the ear increases, compressing the air trapped in the middle ear. This causes a decrease in the volume of air and distorts the eardrum (which is relatively flexible), causing discomfort.
Divers must use the Eustachian tubes to blow air into their middle ear in order to restore the pressure balance on either side of the eardrum.
When should you equalize?
The rule is simple: as soon as discomfort sets in, and above all: before you feel pain.
Equalization should begin within the first few meters, or even before descent. Once pain sets in, it often becomes impossible to compensate properly. Experienced divers perform preventive and regular equalization, approximately every meter, especially during the first 10 meters where the pressure variation is the greatest.
=> Warning: It is recommended to avoid diving if you have a cold, sinusitis, or nasal congestion, as these conditions can block the Eustachian tubes, the small passages connecting the middle ear to the nose that are essential for equalization.
The main equalizing techniques
There are several techniques for equalizing ear pressure. All of them aim to allow air to pass through the Eustachian tubes in order to adjust the pressure in the middle ear.
1. The Valsalva maneuver
This is the best known and most widely used technique.
It involves:
- pinching your nose between your fingers,
- closing your mouth,
- and blowing gently as if you were blowing your nose.
The air is then pushed towards the Eustachian tubes, which helps to equalize the pressure.
Be careful not to blow too hard, however, as this could damage the eardrum.
2. The Toynbee maneuver
This method involves swallowing while pinching your nose shut.
The swallowing motion helps to open the Eustachian tubes naturally.
It is a gentle technique that is often easier for beginners to master.
3. The Frenzel maneuver
More advanced, this method is widely used by freedivers.
It involves closing the glottis and using the tongue like a piston to push air towards the Eustachian tubes, without forcing.
It requires a little practice but has the advantage of being effective without requiring any breathing effort.
4. The hands free equalization
Some experienced divers are able to voluntarily open their Eustachian tubes by contracting specific muscles in the palate and throat.
This technique, which is difficult to master, allows divers to equalize pressure without using their hands, which is very useful in technical diving.
=> Note: When you feel movement in your eardrums and the discomfort disappears, it means that you have successfully equalized. Practice a few times before diving using the technique of your choice to make sure it works.
=> If the Valsalva maneuver (first technique) does not work for you, try moving your jaws or swallowing your saliva.
Tips to make equalizing easier
- Start before descending: perform one or two equalizations at the surface to prepare your ears.
- Descend slowly: control your speed and stop at the slightest discomfort.
- Never force it: if you can’t equalize, ascend slightly and try again. If you are in a group: follow the others so you don’t lose sight of them, but always descend at your own pace: the ear is a fragile organ and must be protected.
- Stay relaxed: muscle tension can block swallowing and make the maneuver more difficult.
The risks of inadequate equalization
Ignoring the pain or forcing yourself to descend despite having a blocked ear can cause:
- Barotrauma to the eardrum (intense pain, bleeding, hearing loss)
- Sinus barotrauma (facial pain, congestion)
- Alternobaric vertigo, caused by an imbalance of pressure between the two ears, which can dangerously disorient the diver.
An injured ear may take several weeks to heal and may prevent you from diving for a while.
Conclusion
Equalizing ear pressure is not just a reflex: it is a fundamental skill for every diver. Learning to equalize early, gently, and regularly is the key to avoid pain and injury. By adopting the right techniques and listening to your body’s signals, you will be able to enjoy the underwater world to the fullest, in comfort and safety.