Methods of Equalizing Ears

Getting air to move from the throat to the ears is essential for safe equalizing. This is done because the air passes through the eustachian tubes. Most open water divers are instructed to equalize by lightly blowing while squeezing their noses. The typically closed eustachian tube is opened with this light pressure, allowing air to enter the middle ear easily.

The Frenzel Maneuver is recommended because it is gentler and easier to control than the Valsalva Maneuver, which involves blowing by contracting your throat muscles. A lot of divers can equalize by swallowing, moving their jaws, or using a mix of these.