Divers and Ears: a question of equalizing

Equalizing your ears is one of the first skills that new divers learn and that we practice on every single dive. While building up dives, equalization becomes almost instinctive for many divers. For some divers equalizing remains difficult, frustrating and even painful. Let's have a look into the process, the techniques and what can make equalizing problematic.

The anatomy of the human ear

Without going in too many details, the human ear can be segmented in 3 major parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear is at the surface filled with air. When being submerged, our outer ear fills with water and does not cause any issues. The inner ear is filled with body fluids. As a liquid is almost non-compressible, the inner does seldom cause an issue when diving. The middle ear is a dead air space filled with air. When diving the air in the middle ear is getting compressed and puts the ear drum and the inner soft tissues under pressure. It are these pressure changes you experience during scuba diving. As we descend, the surrounding pressure increases, while the pressure in your middle ear remains the same. The imbalance can cause extreme discomfort. Through equalization we re-balance the pressure in our middle ear by increasing or decreasing the gas pressure in order to match the pressure at depth. We do this though the Eustachian tube which connects the middle ear with our nose. Inner Ear

The Eustachian tube

The Eustachian tube makes the connection between our middle ear and our nose. As we are breathing gas at depth, our nose contains air at the same pressure as the environment. The Eustachian tube is made of and surrounded by soft tissue. You can look at it as a balloon. When the pressure in the balloon is higher that the surrounding pressure, the excess air will easily come out. This is what typically happens when you are ascending during the dive. When descending, the balloon holds gas at a lower pressure, pushing the sides to each other thus blocking air flowing into it. In order to equalize the pressure, you must force the sites to open up and let air flow into the balloon.

Equalization techniques

The Valsalva Maneuver is the most common method and the one you probably learned during your certification. This involves pinching your nose and blowing gently (like blowing your nose in a handkerchief), thereby forcing air to move along the Eustachian tubes and into your middle ear. The excess pressure from the lower part of the Eustachian tube is forced open and allows air to flow in the middle ear. It is effective as long as you use it in a timely fashion. However, if you wait until discomfort occurs to try equalizing this way, it often doesn’t work. If the outside pressure becomes too great, the Eustachian cushions become “locked” shut – and no amount of air will open them. Instead, if you blow too hard, you risk causing damage to your inner ear tissues. An alternative is to try pinching your nose and swallowing (a method known as the Toynbee Maneuver), or moving your jaw as if you’re about to yawn. These techniques use the throat muscles rather than air pressure to open the Eustachian cushion and are usually more effective if the valves are already locked shut. Of course, the easiest way to avoid this problem in the first place is to equalize before the pressure becomes too great, i.e. every meter of your descent, or before experiencing discomfort.

Checklist for effective equalization

  • Listen for the "pop" Before going for a dive, make sure that when you swallow you hear a "pop" in both ears. This tells you both Eustachian tubes are opening.
  • Take  it slowly Never continue to dive if you feel pain in your ears. Take it slow and attempt to equalize. Don't let your buddy or your dive guide put you under pressure.
  • Start early Before the dive, begin gently equalizing your ears every few minutes. Chewing gum seems to help because it makes you swallow often.
  • Equalize at the surface Pre-pressurizing at the surface helps most divers get past the critical first few meter of descent. It may also inflate your Eustachian tubes so they are slightly bigger. Although not proven to be the most efficient,  it's worth trying it out to see if it helps you.
  • Descend feet first Studies have shown a Valsalva Maneuver requires 50 percent more force when you're in a head-down position than head-up.
  • Look up Extending your neck tends to open your Eustachian tubes.
  • Use a descent line Pulling yourself down an anchor line helps control your descent rate. It also helps you stop your descent if you feel pressure.
  • Stay ahead Equalize often, trying to maintain a slight positive pressure in your middle ears. Don't wait until you feel pressure or pain.
  • Stop if it hurts Your Eustachian tubes are probably locked shut by pressure differential. Ascend a little bit and try equalizing again.
  • Avoid milk Some foods, including milk, can increase your mucus production.
  • Avoid tobacco and alcohol Both tobacco smoke and alcohol irritate your mucus membranes, promoting more mucus that can block your Eustachian tubes.
  • Keep your mask clear Water up your nose can irritate your mucus membranes, which then produce more of the stuff that clogs.
 

Safe Zone from Anfi Beach

New safe zone between Anfi Beach and Patalavaca Recently the government, in collaboration with Anfi Del Mar, has created a new safe zone stretching from Anfi beach to Patalavaca. In the area only swimmers are allowed, no propulsion based boats can enter this zone. The protected area stretches for little over 2000 meters. The Safe […]

Farewell to a Friend after nine years

Nine years ago, we met and immediately you became a valued member of our staff. You have been our trusted companion, friend, and guide. Your presence has brought us comfort and excitement, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the chance to know you. It is nine unforgettable years, during which you were there […]

Scuba Sur Awarded SSI Diamond Center

Scuba Sur obtains the SSI Diamond Center rating We are thrilled to announce that Scuba Sur achieves the prestigious SSI Diamond Center rating, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing top-notch diving education. This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to safety, customer intimacy, small group experiences, and language support. Join us on a […]

Welcome to the start of the Angel Shark Season in Gran Canaria

From early November till end of Marck we look out for Angel Sharks in the south of Gran Canaria.
The Angel Shark, also called Squatina Squatina is one of the rare species you find in the waters of Gran Canaria. In the winter, around Christmas. They come close to shore to give birth to their offspring. The shark babies need shallow and protected waters. It is always agreat experience seeing this highly endangered species while diving.

Duiken in Gran Canaria

Duiken in Gran Canaria – Ontdek de Onderwaterwereld in het Zuiden van het Eiland Gran Canaria, een van de prachtige Canarische Eilanden, staat bekend om zijn betoverende landschappen en zonovergoten stranden. Het zuiden van het eiland kent dan ook 360 dagen zon per jaar. Kerst vieren op het strand met 26°C is geen uitzondeling. Wat […]

10 Things That Change When You Start Scuba Diving

10 Things That Change When You Start Scuba Diving After competing your scuba diving training and subsequently preparing for your first dive, there is a sense of nervousness and excitement. But within minutes of jumping into the ‘deep blue’, that anxiety seems to cease and you are overwhelmed with a sense of tranquility and peace. […]

Refresh your diving skills

Why would I need a scuba refresh? Everybody has experienced it. You are on a diving excursion and one of your fellow divers is not at the level expected. It typically starts with the preparation of the dive kit. It takes ages to get prepared and requires the full attention of the dive centre staff. […]

Gran Canaria – little paradise

Gran Canaria, the round island Gran Canaria, located in the centre of the Canarian archipelago – also called the round island because of its circular shape – is 47 km across and covers an area of 1,560 sq km. Its highest peak, Pozo de Las Nieves (1,949m above sea level), is situated right in the […]

A job in the diving industry, how to apply?

Why do you want a job in a dive center? Before entering into details and tips on how to apply for a job, think about why you want to apply for it. For the newbies in the industry, just became a Dive Master or recently went through the instructor certification process, applying for a first job […]

Divers and Ears: a question of equalizing

Equalizing your ears is one of the first skills that new divers learn and that we practice on every single dive. While building up dives, equalization becomes almost instinctive for many divers. For some divers equalizing remains difficult, frustrating and even painful. Let’s have a look into the process, the techniques and what can make equalizing […]

Why do you want to work in the diving industry?

Work as a diver as an adventure Most people are convinced that becoming a dive instructor and work in the industry is only about the adventure in your life, working in exotic destinations and earning lots of money. Well, the truth is a bit different. Talk to dive instructors and dive masters, both experienced and […]