Ear equalisation is one of the first practical skills new divers learn. As you descend, the pressure around you increases. Equalising allows pressure in your middle ears to match the surrounding water pressure, helping you descend comfortably and reducing the risk of injury. The most important principles are simple: equalise early, equalise frequently and never force it. This article explains the basic techniques, but it does not replace in-water instruction or individual medical advice. Why do divers need to equalise their ears? Your middle ear is an air-filled space behind the eardrum. During a descent, water pressure increases outside the ear. Air must move through the Eustachian tubes into the middle-ear space to balance that pressure. If the pressure is not balanced, you may feel increasing tightness or discomfort. Continuing down despite that warning can cause an ear injury. Divers Alert Network describes middle-ear equalisation as an essential diving skill and provides a detailed guide to pressure and ear equalisation. When should you start equalising? Do not wait until your ears hurt. Begin gently at the surface and equalise repeatedly during the early part of the descent. The pressure changes proportionally fastest close to the surface, so the first few metres deserve particular attention. Some divers equalise every small change in depth rather than waiting for pressure to build. This usually requires less effort and helps prevent a pressure difference from becoming difficult to correct. Common ear-equalisation techniques Different techniques work better for different people. Your instructor can demonstrate suitable methods and help you identify one that feels natural. Gentle Valsalva manoeuvre Pinch your nostrils through the mask and blow very gently against the closed nose. The key word is gently. A forceful or prolonged attempt can cause harm and is not an appropriate response to a blocked ear. Toynbee manoeuvre Pinch your nostrils and swallow. Swallowing activates muscles that may help open the Eustachian tubes while the closed nose assists pressure adjustment. Swallowing or moving the jaw Some divers can equalise by swallowing, yawning, wiggling the jaw or moving it from side to side. These actions can help open the Eustachian tubes without a strong pressure effort. Frenzel-style technique This technique uses the tongue and throat to create controlled pressure while the nostrils are closed. It can be efficient, but it is best learned through clear instruction rather than guessed during a dive. Divers Alert Network outlines several options in its six equalisation methods. Divers should use a gentle technique that works reliably for them. What should you do if an ear will not equalise? If pressure begins to build: Stop descending immediately. Signal your buddy or instructor. Ascend slightly until the pressure reduces. Try a gentle equalisation technique again. Continue only if both ears feel comfortable. If the ear still will not equalise, end the descent. A dive is never important enough to justify forcing through pain. DAN advises divers who cannot equalise to stop, ascend slightly and abort the dive if the problem does not resolve, rather than making a forceful attempt. Why equalisation may become difficult Waiting too long before equalising Descending faster than your ears can adjust Being congested or unwell Using a technique that does not work well for you Descending head-first, which some divers find more difficult Anxiety or task loading causing you to forget to equalise A controlled descent line can help you manage your speed. Some divers also find it easier to descend in a more upright position, particularly while learning. Can you practise equalising before a dive? You can gently practise the movement on land so that it feels familiar before entering the water. Your instructor can observe whether you appear to understand the technique, although only you can judge whether your ears feel comfortable. Do not repeatedly force pressure into your ears. The purpose of practice is to learn the movement and recognise a gentle opening sensation, not to prove how hard you can blow. Should you dive with a cold or congestion? Congestion can make equalisation unreliable. It may also create problems during ascent if expanding air cannot move freely. Do not use medication simply to push through an illness or conceal symptoms from your instructor. If you cannot equalise gently at the surface, feel unwell or have concerns about your ears, postpone the dive and seek advice from an appropriately qualified medical professional. Your instructor can help with diving procedures, but medical fitness decisions require suitable healthcare guidance. What about discomfort after a dive? Persistent pain, reduced hearing, dizziness, unusual fullness or other concerning ear symptoms after diving should not be ignored. Stop diving and obtain assessment from a medical professional with appropriate knowledge of diving medicine. Learn the skill with an instructor Ear equalisation normally becomes a routine part of diving once you learn to start early and respond calmly. New divers practise controlled descents during training, with an instructor available to slow or stop the descent whenever necessary. You can learn more about Phoenix Divers’ beginner diving courses in Koh Tao. A One Day Try Dive introduces basic skills for a first experience, while the SSI Open Water Diver course provides the training required for entry-level certification.