Equalizing Ear pressure - Tips on how to             clear your ears whilst diving

Snorkeling on the surface is great, as you can get a good view of the marine environment. However, for those adventure seekers, snorkeling at the surface is not enough. These snorkelers want to see up close and get a better view of the surrounding environment. The only way to do it is through diving deeper.

So what is stopping you from diving deeper? I guessed it...it's the ears. The most common answer I get when I take someone snorkeling is that they cannot dive deep as the pressure in their ear hurts. I will show you a few tips on Equalizing ear pressure techniques to overcome this problem but first you have to understand what is happening.

As you dive deeper below the water's surface, air within your body's air space, is being compressed by the surrounding water pressure. Your body's air spaces which are most effected by increasing pressure are your ears and sinuses.

As you continue to dive deeper, more pressure builds up and if no action is taken to counteract this increase in water pressure, the squeeze in your body's air space in increased. So why does this happen? Well, basically, the pressure outside your ear's air space is greater than the pressure inside. As a result, this will give you an uncomfortable sensation in your ear and will eventually become even more painful should you continue to dive deeper.

You may have experienced such a squeeze in your ears some time in your life when either diving in a pool or at the beach. Your first reaction is to ascend. This squeeze is what limits you to dive deeper, but this can be solved by using a simple technique.

To prevent this from happening, the pressure inside your ear's air space must always be equal to the water pressure outside the airspace. Hence the name equalizing. This is accomplished by adding air to your ear's air spaces during your descent before the discomfort feeling occurs.

So how do you equalize? Well it is really very simple. When you feel a slight pressure on your ear just before you experience discomfort, close your mouth and pinch your nose with your finger tips. Next attempt to gently blow out air through your blocked nose. The air should be directed into the ear and your sinus air spaces. Wiggling your jaw from side to side will make this equalization technique easier if it used in conjunction with the “pinch blow nose” technique...

Continuing to dive deeper with an unequalized ear should be avoided at all costs as this may result in injury. If you are in anyway experience discomfort in your ear or having problems in equalizing ear pressure, ascend to the surface and try to equalize again. If your attempts are futile, then stop attempting to dive deeper as you may have congestion problems in your body's air space. Try some other time when you feel healthier. If the problem persists then it is advisable to check the problem with a physician.

Problems in equalizing ear pressure could be due to colds or allergies which can congest the air passages, making equalization difficult. Tight wetsuit hoods can also effect the ear canal. The ear can also be effected if an air space that cannot be equalized is created in the ear canal. To prevent this pull the wetsuit hood momentarily away from your ears to allow any air to escape and repeat the equalization procedure.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when equalizing ear pressure during your dive:

1. Equalize before you experience discomfort

2. With your mouth closed pinch your nose

3. Gently blow out air through the blocked nose

4. If need by wiggle your jaw from side to side.

Also keep in mind the following safety practices during your attempt to equalize:

• Avoid continuing to dive deeper with an unclear ear, as this may lead to injuries

• if you experience discomfort in your ear, ascend to the surface and equalize again

• Should you find it impossible to equalize then stop attempting to dive deeper

• Do not wear tight wetsuit hoods as this may effect the equalization process

• Do not wear any ear plugs as this will make it impossible for your to equalize.