From my years of teaching scuba diving, 80% of beginner’s problem is ear pain when descend. Middle ear and sinus pressure are the most common injuries associated with increasing and decreasing pressure.
For equalization to be effective, you should be free of nasal or sinus infections or allergic reactions. The lining of the nose, throat and Eustachian tubes should be as normal as possible. The following techniques are effective in reducing middle ear and sinus squeeze.
• Prior to descent, gently inflate (EQUALISE) your ears. This gives you a little extra air in the middle ear and sinuses as you descend
• Descend feet first, if possible. This allows air to travel upward into the Eustachian tube and middle ear, a more natural direction. Use a descent line if available
• Inflate (equalize) ear gently every one feet for the first 30 feet
• If you do not feel your ears opening, stop, try again, perhaps ascending a few feet to diminish the pressure around you
• Try to tilt the blocked ear upward.
You may also use decongestants and nasal sprays prior to diving to reduce swelling in the nasal and ear passages.
For equalization to be effective, you should be free of nasal or sinus infections or allergic reactions. The lining of the nose, throat and Eustachian tubes should be as normal as possible. The following techniques are effective in reducing middle ear and sinus squeeze.
• Prior to descent, gently inflate (EQUALISE) your ears. This gives you a little extra air in the middle ear and sinuses as you descend
• Descend feet first, if possible. This allows air to travel upward into the Eustachian tube and middle ear, a more natural direction. Use a descent line if available
• Inflate (equalize) ear gently every one feet for the first 30 feet
• If you do not feel your ears opening, stop, try again, perhaps ascending a few feet to diminish the pressure around you
• Try to tilt the blocked ear upward.
You may also use decongestants and nasal sprays prior to diving to reduce swelling in the nasal and ear passages.
Equalizing Techniques
• Valsalva - increase nasopharynx pressure by holding nose and breathing against a closed throat
• Toynbee - swallowing with mouth and nose closed
• Frenzel - Valsalva while contracting throat muscles with a closed throat
• Lowry - Valsalva plus Toynbee - holding nose, gently trying to blow air out of nose while swallowing
• Miscellaneous - swallowing, wiggling jaws
• Valsalva - increase nasopharynx pressure by holding nose and breathing against a closed throat
• Toynbee - swallowing with mouth and nose closed
• Frenzel - Valsalva while contracting throat muscles with a closed throat
• Lowry - Valsalva plus Toynbee - holding nose, gently trying to blow air out of nose while swallowing
• Miscellaneous - swallowing, wiggling jaws
