The key to preventing ear pain in deep water is to equalize the pressure in your ears.
Understanding the Problem
When you descend in water, the pressure increases, which can cause pain if the pressure inside your ear doesn't match the pressure outside. This happens because your eardrum is sensitive to changes in pressure.
How to Equalize Your Ears
According to the YouTube video, "How to Swim Deep In the Pool Without Hurting Your Ears," you can equalize your ears by performing the following technique:
- Pinch your nose: Use your fingers to firmly close your nostrils.
- Blow out gently: Try to blow air out through your nose, while your nostrils are pinched. You'll feel something in your ears when this works.
This action forces air up through the Eustachian tubes, which are connected to your middle ear, and helps balance the pressure. This process is known as equalization.
Practical Tips for Equalizing
- Start Early: Don't wait until you feel pain. Equalize before you begin your descent and continue equalizing as you go deeper.
- Don't Force It: If you feel resistance when trying to equalize, stop and try again later. Forcing it can injure your eardrum.
- Multiple Attempts: It may take a few tries to equalize successfully. Be patient and persistent.
- Slow Descent: A slower descent gives your ears more time to adjust.
- Practice Regularly: Practicing on land may help you perform the technique correctly and quickly under water.
When to Seek Help
If you experience severe pain, have bleeding from your ears, or if the pain persists after you have stopped diving, seek medical attention. These symptoms could signal a more serious ear problem.
