Equalizing, in the context of diving or underwater activities, refers to the process of adjusting the air pressure in your body's air spaces to match the surrounding water pressure. This is essential to prevent discomfort and injury, especially to your ears and sinuses.
Equalizing Explained:
Equalizing is important when descending or ascending to prevent a pressure difference between the air spaces in your body, like your ears and mask, and the surrounding water.
Equalizing Techniques
The video titled "How To Equalise Properly - YouTube" explains the core concept behind equalization:
- Equalizing on Descent: You must equalize on the way down, as the pressure of the water increases while you descend.
- This involves performing techniques that open up the Eustachian tubes in your ears and force air into your middle ear.
- Equalizing on Ascent: You also need to equalize during your ascent. When you go up in the water, the water pressure decreases. You must do so to equalize the mask so you don't have a pressure seal.
Common Equalizing Methods:
Here are some common methods you can use to equalize:
- Valsalva Maneuver: This involves pinching your nose and gently trying to blow air out of your nostrils (while your nose is plugged). This pushes air into your Eustachian tubes and equalizes the pressure in your ears.
- Frenzel Maneuver: This technique uses the tongue and throat muscles to create pressure in the nasal pharynx, forcing air into the eustachian tubes. It is considered more efficient and less straining than the Valsalva maneuver.
- Toynbee Maneuver: Performed by swallowing while your nose is pinched shut, this technique is helpful on ascent.
- Voluntary Tubal Opening: This advanced technique is achieved by consciously contracting certain muscles that open the eustachian tubes, without requiring any other movements.
Tips for Effective Equalization
- Start Early: Don't wait until you feel pressure. Begin equalizing early and often, even before you feel any discomfort. This will help prevent a pressure difference from building up.
- Go Slow: Descend slowly, allowing time for your ears to equalize. If you feel any pain or difficulty, stop your descent, and ascend slightly until the pain subsides, then try equalizing again.
- Pre-Equalize: Some people find it helpful to pre-equalize on the surface before starting their descent.
- Avoid Force: Do not force equalization. If you cannot equalize on a descent, it is better to abort the dive rather than risk damage to your ears.
- Stay Relaxed: Tense muscles can make equalization more difficult. Try to relax your body.
Equalizing your Mask
- Equalize the mask during descent and ascent. This prevents mask squeeze.
- Gently blow a small amount of air out of your nose into your mask while descending to equalize.
By following these instructions and practicing regularly, you can learn to equalize effectively, and enjoy your time underwater.
