How to Equalize Ears

One of the first things noticed when diving in water is the immediate pressure change, most often in the ears. The pressure change, in some cases, can cause excruciating headaches which are extremely dangerous when under water. This problem can be avoided by equalizing the pressure within your ears. The goal of ear equalizing is to make the pressure inside your ears equal the pressure in the water, thus eliminating or reducing discomfort.

Instructions

• 1

  Stick your tongue in the roof of your mouth, with the tip of your tongue pressed against the back of your teeth.

• 2

  Press the back of your tongue up toward the top of your head as hard as you can. Act as though you're pressing the back of your tongue through the top of your head.

• 3

  Hold your tongue in this spot and continue pushing upward until you feel a small pocket of air shoot upward. You should feel or hear a small "click" within a few seconds of performing the task.

• 4

  Repeat the process every few feet of descent, or whenever you feel a pressure change.