HOW TO EQUALISE

There are several techniques divers can employ to effectively equalise their ears.

PASSIVE

Requires no effort. Occurs during ascent

VOLUNTARY TUBAL OPENING

Try yawning or jaw wiggling

VALSALVA MANOEUVRE

Pinch your nostrils and gently blow through your nose

TOYNBEE MANOEUVRE

Pinch your nostrils and swallow

(good technique, if equalisation is needed during ascent)

FRENZEL MANOEUVRE

Pinch your nostrils while contracting your throat muscles and make the sound of the letter “k”

LOWRY TECHNIQUE

Pinch your nostrils and gently try to blow air out of your nose while swallowing (think Valsalva manoeuvre meets the Toynbee manoeuvre)

EDMONDS TECHNIQUE

Push your jaw forward and employ the Valsalva manoeuvre or the Frenzel manoeuvre