Hawaii Big Island Diving

We all know being able to clear your ears while scuba diving is very important. After all, if your ears don’t clear you’ll have to abort the dive. So how do you clear your ears?

The most common method is called the Valsalva maneuver. In this technique, you pinch your nostrils closed and gently blow through your nose.

If you are having problems, try these steps to help you descend safely:

• Start Before You Go Below the Water

If you are using the Valsalva maneuver, gently blow through your nose while you are waiting to start your descent. This “pre-pressurizes” the ear and makes equalization easier upon descent. Start this before you even go under the water.

• Equalize Early and Often

You’ve heard this in your scuba diving class. Begin equalizing as soon as your head goes underwater and continue equalizing every few feet. This is probably the most important step to descending without ear problems. If you are having problems clearing one ear, tilt your head - with the blocked ear toward the surface.

• Descend Feet First

Your Eustchian tube is affected if you descend with your head first and it makes it harder to equalize your ears.

• Ascend if You Have Problems

If your ears are not clearing properly, ascend a few feet to reduce the pressure. Try clearing them again. If it still doesn’t work, ascend a few more feet and try again. Rinse and repeat until you have cleared your ears successfully.

• Do Not Force It

If you have tried ascending and it is not working, abort the dive. If you force yourself down, you can cause permanent ear injury. In this same vein, if you are using the Valsalva method, do not blow forcefully. It should be a gentle blow. A forceful blow can also cause ear injury. It’s better to forego a dive than have ear problems for the rest of your life.

• Do Not Dive With a Cold

Another mantra you probably heard in your scuba class. Congestion can make equalization difficult. And even if you are able to ascend, you run the risk of having problems during ascent, a condition called “reverse squeeze.” This can also be caused by medications wearing off during the dive. If you do take medicine, just be aware of the risks.

Follow these steps and you should be well on your way to having nice clear ears. Take it easy, take it slow and have a safe, comfortable dive.

Have a great dive! Dianne from www.scuba-diving-smiles.com