9 TIPS FOR EASY EQUALISATION

EQUALISE BEFORE YOU DIVE

Prior to descent, while you are neutrally buoyant with no air in your buoyancy control device (BCD), gently inflate your ears using your preferred equalisation technique to check that you are able to equalise

TRY TILTING

If you are having trouble equalising on one side, it may be helpful to tilt the blocked ear toward the surface

DESCEND FEET FIRST

This allows air to travel upward into the eustachian tube and middle ear, a more natural direction. Use a descent line or the anchor line to control the speed of descent

STOP

STOP IF IT HURTS

If you are unable to equalise, abort the dive. The consequences of descending without equalising could ruin an entire dive trip or cause permanent damage and hearing loss

PAIN IS NOT ACCEPTABLE

If there is pain, you have descended without adequately equalising. Ascend a few metres until the pain stops

DO NOT DIVE WITH CONGESTION

Decongestants and nasal sprays may be used prior to diving to reduce swelling in the nasal and ear passages. If your doctor agrees with your decision to use oral decongestants, take them one to two hours before descent. They should last from eight to 12 hours, so you don’t need to take a second dose before a repetitive dive.

EQUALISE OFTEN

Inflate your ears gently every few metres for the first three to five metres Nasal sprays should be used approximately 30 minutes before descent and usually last 12 hours. Take care when using over-the-counter nasal sprays; repeated use can cause a rebound reaction resulting in increased congestion and possible reverse block on ascent. Decongestants may have side effects. Do not use them before diving if you do not have previous experience

STAY AHEAD

If you do not feel your ears opening, stop and try again; you may need to ascend a few metres to diminish the pressure around you. Do not bounce up and down

KNOW WHEN TO CALL IT

If at any time during the dive you feel pain, experience vertigo or note sudden hearing loss, abort the dive. If these symptoms persist, do not dive again and consult your physician