Equalization Techniques

[XSharkboyX]

Lets hear them... What do you use?

I for one have trouble clearing my ears at times due to allergies, and sinus blockage/pressure.
Looking for better techniques to master this.

 

[Thisseemsfishy]

I believe in squeezing the nose and bowing gently...works for me. If you still cant, go up a couple of feet and try again.

Best of luck

 

[cur10u5g30rg3]

It helps the more often you dive. I also read a good article on ear and sinus... here is a link

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=13

 

[ousnakebyte]

It took me almost 100 dives, but I finally learned how to clear my ears properly. I used to try any combination of pinching the nose and blowing, moving my head side to side, up and down, yawning/swallowing (hard with a reg in your mouth) - plus Sudafed or other dry-me-ups.... One dive in Grand Cayman I just couldn't equalize, and I forced it too far and ended up bursting capillaries in my eye. Yup, no kidding. It was sort of like this:

Stewie's Red Eye

Didn't hurt, but it did look like I had just been in a bar fight - and lost...

Anyway, I finally found that a combination of the two maneuvers listed in the article above - Valsalva and Frenzel - works for me. It's difficult to explain, but I press my tongue against the roof of my mouth so no air can escape out of my mouth. I then clench my teeth together, really so the molars are touching (or are clenching on the reg mouthpiece), pinch my nose, and then... this is the difficult part to explain. I think I more push air back than I blow out. Either way - try to force air pressure toward the back of your throat, which will hopefully take the path of least resistance and travel up your Eustachian tubes.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Mike

 

[Neptune_Fan]

I believe in squeezing the nose and bowing gently...works for me. If you still cant, go up a couple of feet and try again.

Best of luck

+1.. i do the same thing..takes abit to get it though...just relax, close eyes and BREATHE

 

[mayjong]

hands down THE best way...
it may take a bit to learn how to do it (use a mirror, it works!)
watch the video, and practice. one day Viola! you'll get it, then you'll wonder why you couldn't get it before!
search-
"Frenzel Fattah Equalizing Workshop:
Step-by-Step Guide to Optimal Equalizing for Freedivers and Scuba Divers"

 

[ilvfsh]

OMG this is awesome. I have the same problems as I am in general allergic to air. LOL. You know pollen in the warm months, mold and fungi in the cool months.

I just tried this method on the couch, and my ears popped. Cant wait to try it while diving.

 

[XSharkboyX]

Awesome! Thanks for all the great info guys. I too have experienced dives where i simply could not clear my ears... So frustrating.

 

[mayjong]

i used to have some issues with ears. since using the Frenzel Fattah (throat piston) i have not , it's the best ever!

 

[|FATHOM|]

I just swallow spits

 

[davocean]

I drink alot of water beforehand per advice from a doctor friend, seems to help.
I also avoid cigarette smoke(many of my boat owner friends smoke)
I also turn head sideways, swallow, sometimes come back up a few feet to ease pressure, then clear.
One friend of mine does summersaults, works for him.

 

[stangd1909]

The only thing that works for is swallowing spit. I can't squeeze my nose, it just doesn't work.