Equalisation        (Page 2of 2)

Descending feet first will allow air to travel upward into the Eustachian tube and middle ear.

During descent, inflate gently every few feet. Equalize before discomfort or pain. Pain is a result of inadequate equalizing.

If the equalizing is not working, i.e. you don't feel your ears pop, then ascend a few feet. This will decrease the pressure a bit. Try again whilst slowly descending. It helps to tilt the blocked ear upward.

Abort the dive or continue the dive at a shallower comfortable depth if you feel discomfort during descent. Never push your limit with equalizing as damage could result in permanent hear loss.

Contact your doctor about using decongestants and nasal sprays prior to diving to reduce swelling in the nasal and ear passages. You should take them a few hours before the dive and they should last from eight to twelve hours. Nasal sprayes should be taken thirty minutes before descent and usually last twelve hours. It is very important to contact your doctor about using these medicins.

Equalizing Techniques
Passive - requires no effort

Valsalva - increase nasopharynx pressure by holding nose and breathing against a closed glottis (throat)
Toynbee - swallowing with mouth and nose closed - good for ascent!

Frenzel - Valsalva while contracting throat muscles with a closed glottis

Lowry - Valsalva plus Toynbee - holding nose, gently trying to blow air out of nose while swallowing - easiest and best method!

Edmonds - jutting jaw forward plus Valsalva and/or Frenzel (good method)

Miscellaneous - swallowing, wiggling jaws - good for ascent!
Article Source <http://www.divervillage.com>: http://www.divervillage.com