Equalizing

One of the most overlooked skills in scuba diving is equalizing. Yes, I said "skill." Equalizing may not seem to be a skill in the same way hovering or mask removal and replacement are skills. However, it is a skill, and you will become better at it with practice. As we all learned in our open water classes, the air spaces in bodies are readily compressed by water pressure when we descend. We need equalize those spaces to prevent pain, especially in the ears.

I often suggest to students who are having difficulty equalizing to do a "pre-dive" Valsalva maneuver. At the surface, pinch your nose, and blow gently. This seems to pre-pressurize the ear, making later equalization easier. Then, equalize every few feet BEFORE you feel pressure. Once you start to feel pressure, it may be too late. All is not lost, however. Just ascend a few feet until the pressure is relieved and try again. Do not ever, ever try to force you way through equalization. This is almost a guarantee of ear damage. Don't worry that everyone is descending without you. Your instructor will keep an eye on you, and will wait as long as it takes. If you are certified, make sure you stay in contact with your buddy as you descend, so in case one of you has a problem, the other won't be starting the dive without the other. If you still have problems, try descending feet first, swallowing, wiggling your jaw, or any combination of these things.

You can even practice your equalization without diving. Practicing the Valsalva or any of the other techniques will get you used to equalizing and what it feels like.

Of course, don't forget about your mask. A little air added through your nose is all it takes. You will not need to worry about your mask when ascending--any excess pressure will vent out on its own. Your lungs should equalize with each breath, as long as you breathe continuously and follow the most important rule of scuba diving--don't hold your breath.

DAN Instructor

Divers Alert Network is a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization that provides emergency medical advice and assistance for underwater diving injuries, and underwrites a wide range of research, education and training programs that promote safe diving. The courses offered by DAN are just as important and useful for non-diving situations as they are for scuba-related injuries. As an instructor for the Divers Alert Network, I am certifed to teach the following courses:

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries
Oxygen First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies
Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries
Remote Emergency Medical Oxygen (REMO2)
On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers
Automatic External Defibrillators for Scuba Diving
Automatic External Defibrillators for Aquatic Emergencies
First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries
DAN Diving Emergency Management Provider
Basic Life Support for Dive Professionals

PADI Scuba Instruction

As a certified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, I can introduce you to the exciting, silent, relaxing, amazing underwater world. If you are in eastern Iowa or western Illinois and are interested in scuba diving, let me know. Here are some of the classes I offer:

Discover Scuba Diving
Open Water Diver
Junior Open Water Diver
Adventure Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Divemaster
Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
Scuba Review
Discover Snorkeling
PADI Skin Diver
Bubblemaker
PADI Seal Team
Project AWARE Specialty
AWARE Coral Reef Conservation