No More Ear Pain! Easy Ear Equalization While Diving

[@CircleHScuba]

Scuba Diving Hand Signals ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6OUommDqL-mbpo

[@donfrancisbacarro9615]

Sir my forehead hurts when I dive deeper what's worng with it???

[@bschneidez]

This video is a godsend for me. My sinuses are so bad that I basically have no sense of smell, but I love diving and try to get out at least once a year or two. Naturally I've dealt with a ton of bad ear pain over the last few years from my own stubborness, even bled once, but the dives were always worth it to me... After watching this though, I have hope that I might be able to find a way to train my facial muscles and avoid that ear pain that has always nagged even my greatest diving experiences.

[@CircleHScuba]

I hope this really does help so you can enjoy diving even more! Ear pain is terrible!

[@tkomauer]

If your sinuses are blocked, none of these methods will help you. There are pills you can take to help open your sinuses. They help very quickly and last 12h.

[@piiinkDeluxe]

You might want to get medically checked out.

[@spunkmaster666]

@@bschneidez might be something to do with a deviated septum (it certainly is with me). Have a doctor take a look, sinus problems associated with a deviated septum are generally fixable

[@TheGweedMan]

That was a very thorough presentation of the many methods that can be used to equalize. For most people of Valsalva maneuver is clearly the most used. I’m glad you pointed out looking slightly up anytime you’re clearing is better than looking down. A lot of people who do the Valsalva will pinch their nose, and then they will look down as their putting pressure by trying to breathe out through the nose. More important than all of the methods is what you mentioned; clear, early and often. In fact, you might actually clear prior to descending. If you feel any discomfort or pain, you have gone too deep without equalizing Often enough and early enough. And he’s also correct in that the first 10 to 20 feet has the most change in pressure. So from the surface to 10-15 feet you have to clear more often. At deeper depths the pressure change per foot is much lower. PADI Course Director 161555.

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m a PADI OWSI currently, happy to hear from a CD that is vouching for what I’m saying 🎉 Thanks so much for the comment and checking out the video, I hope to see you in others!

[@dianarobinson4539]

Thanks, I’ll try these out. Diving is one of my very top bucket list things to do, but since I couldn’t make it down to the bottom of the dive pool, I never thought I had a chance. I’m 65 so I better get at it!

[@CircleHScuba]

They’ll teach you how to equalize in class as well, you can do it! Good luck!

[@t-leechiquita9158]

@@dianarobinson4539 did you start yet!?

[@donmunro144]

I'm a long haul trucker and a diver. My work takes me through the Rockie mountains constantly. So I'm used to equalizing my ears on a regular basis. I will definitely be practicing these techniques. Thank you.

[@CircleHScuba]

Wow, I’m glad it can be helpful for you too and not just for the diving community. Hopefully they work out to help relieve some of that ear pressure.

[@muhammedelikhragy]

the techniques worked?

[@donmunro144]

@@muhammedelikhragy they sure do

[@CircleHScuba]

I’ve been curious if it worked too! They work for diving!

[@benmallahsstockbroker3752]

Your eyes can bulge out too permanently

[@jello3141]

This was a wonderful. I’ve been struggling with this my entire life and this fixed all of my problems

[@CircleHScuba]

Heck yes! This is why I make content, so happy it helped you!

[@sassyphantom6480]

this is very helpful, Im new to Scuba and just completed my e-learning. I will be trying these methods to see what works best.

[@CircleHScuba]

Welcome to the world of diving and thanks so much for checking out my video and commenting! I truly hope it helps! A lot of us just do the valsava method, aka pinch and blow lightly. But I do know students that have had some issues to where these other methods helped them. I hope it helps you too! If you have any questions as you get to your class, ask your instructor and feel free to reach out to me too. Heck, I may even make a video about it! Enjoy your class!!! I’m so excited for you!

[@piiinkDeluxe]

Thank you so much! I have a diving license but it's been almost 10 years since I dove. My ears were always quite sensitive to pressure (I learned they are small), and the method we learned (Valsava) didn't really lelieve the pain completely. I will definitely try the second method you presented! I have the feeling it might help me. I even had little pain at 2m deep recently when i did not equalize, so I will practize the voluntary method. It works for me on the surface already. 😊

[@CircleHScuba]

Good luck! I’m glad this was helpful and hope they work for you!

[@tedhendy1325]

Thanks for putting all the techniques in one video. I’ve had everything from Eustachian tube balloon enlargement to a brain scan looking for a possible tumor. In the end, I just have a bad right ear. I’ve learned all the techniques you mentioned, but I like the putting them together ideas. I will be trying them in a couple weeks on my next dive weekend. Always hopeful. Btw, I’ve had one dive where I felt normal. It was in a 91 degree geothermal pool, 6,000 feet elevation, in Utah during their record snow winter. Either the warmth loosened things up or the lack of allergies in winter, or the elevation did the trick. I know there’s hope. Thanks again for putting all the techniques in one video.

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh wow, well first of all you’re welcome, but secondly and most importantly I truly hope these help so you can enjoy diving! Cold water definitely seems to make it harder for me to equalize, so I wonder if 91 degrees helped out a lot. Hard to find that warm of a dive spot though. Keep me updated if you dive anytime soon and good luck! Go slow, have a patient buddy, and see how it goes!

[@richardcleverly]

Thanks!

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks so much for this! I’m glad you found it useful, and thank YOU for saying thanks as well.

[@graceoverall]

2:20 I'm NOT a diver, but have trouble with pain in the deep end of the pool. I was trying to figure out this technique because I've heard from ENTs that the Valsalva is not good for the ear, so I think I figured it out and want to expound a bit on Thomas' description. I first need to describe some things. 1. The Clench: You know when you gargle water and you close off your throat to keep it from going down, or when you clench your through muscles to avoid saliva and debris from going down your throat while in a dentist chair? That's the "clench" maneuver he's talking about. 2. The Pulse: Have you ever let water run over your both ears in the shower such that you hear the rushing water and it sounds kind of like you're in a windy storm? I kinda imagine it's what it sounds like to babies in their mother's womb too, LOL. 3. So when you do the Clench and elongate your neck to stretch your jaw out, if you flex those neck muscles right, you should feel that Pulse in your ear canals. Almost like a tiny little marching band drummer is rattling your ear drum. 😋 Anyway, after doing this, I feel as though I did it correctly because I notice a pressure change in my ear. I'm not currently in an environment where I can verify this, but I think it's the proper technique. I would love to be corrected though if I'm doing something wrong. Let me know.

[@CircleHScuba]

Wow thanks for this comment! Let me know how it goes for you!!

[@vanspurgeon3827]

Love this. Need to practice. Have bled after dives and temporary hearing loss

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh gosh please definitely take things slow as you practice. Shouldn’t be having bleeding!

[@bergecraptv4827]

Thank you very much! I had so many problems equalizing and during one dive recently I even started bleeding a bit. The tip of swallowing WHILE blowing out through my nose and having my nose pinched felt really good when I just tried it. I have another dive in 2 days and I‘m excited to try it in the water 😊

[@CircleHScuba]

Good luck!!! Bleeding from the nose or ears?? Ears, go see a doc. Nose, I’m not a doc but that’s not as terrible usually

[@bergecraptv4827]

Nose. I didnt even know, until my buddy told after the drive, that I have a little bit of something in my mask. @@CircleHScuba

[@Pscribbled]

As a freediver you kinda got the frenzel wrong. What you want to do is to pump air into your head spaces using your throat rather than your lungs. The k position is more talking about the positioning of your tongue depending how much air is available in your mouth area (there’s also the t and h as well). Since you use the throat to pump air upwards instead of the lungs, you should be able to do the frenzel without any movement below the neck (which you showed some movement in your demo). This makes the maneuver very efficient and is why freedivers love it

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m going to have to work on that then, shoot. Thank you for the extra info and tips! I’ve not tried freediving much at all, as I really need to train for it and haven’t had the time unfortunately. I’m diving this weekend though and I’m going to try the frenzel again, thanks!

[@muhammedelikhragy]

i wish if it was that simple

[@yeetergriffin7679]

Just had my first ocean dive, I had pain in my right ear at around 35FT. My issue was only one ear was equalizing but turning my head so the ear that didnt pop faced the surface and used method 1. It worked but I felt a rush of cold water enter my ear. I still have a lingering pain while writing this above my jaw with no issues to my hearing. My take away from the experience is to do it more often, not only when I feel the pressure and softer. Not sure I can make mistakes like this again without permanent damage. Tomorrow I am going down to 60ft and getting NAUI Certified.

[@CircleHScuba]

Congrats on certification and nice job getting it to clear. Look to ascend some too next time. That cold water rush may actually give you issues tomorrow, so do NOT push it just to get certified. If you have issues, please consider seeing an ENT doc so you can get checked. Probably no permanent damage but you may have a small perforation or something and will wanna make sure you get checked out if there’s continued pain. Be safe!

[@Bellatrixlestrange.x]

Thanks for this! I’m getting ready for my first negative entry and want to be sure I can equalize other ways just in case. This was super helpful!

[@CircleHScuba]

You’re welcome! Great username by the way, haha. Enjoy the dives, good luck!

[@Bellatrixlestrange.x]

@@CircleHScuba thank you! 😂 Dives went great!! Put some shorts up from the dives! (:

[@CircleHScuba]

Sweet!!! I’ll go look them up

[@CircleHScuba]

Tiger beach!!!! Awesome!

[@Bellatrixlestrange.x]

@@CircleHScuba it was very spicy you gotta check it out! Amazing time.

[@eric55406]

I once had a sinus infection and flew on a flight. Going up, no problem. Coming back down they re-pressurize the cabin from 8000 ft to sea level and wow that was very unpleasant, to the point where I would really postpone any flying diving plans until I can clear my ears properly. Diving is even worse because the pressure differential is huge. Just down to 10m is double the pressure. Thanks for the advice! I'm hoping to practice some of the alternate methods so I can equalize without grabbing my nose. (I'm interested in both scuba and freediving and when freediving you sometimes want to keep your hands in a streamlined position to swim efficiently as possible.)

[@CircleHScuba]

Good luck! I’ve done that on a flight and wow, it hurt SO bad. Never want that pain again.

[@robinhollema9589]

There is a 24 hour no flight advise after diving for a reason

[@nielsweije2228]

Here the same. Back in 2014 went free diving in Indonesia. Got down to 4 meters and something popped. Next day flew back home, when the plain was descending I was going through hell. It felt like my eyes were pulled out of my sockets and after that I wasn't able to equalise anymore Watching this video now as I discovered last week I was able to equalise after 10 years without trouble 😊

[@dinp1356]

thank you, I will try these in my next dive! very useful video for a newbie like me

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m glad it was useful! Let me know how it goes!

[@montanabuntragulpoontawee4065]

Thank you. The various ways are super helpful.

[@CircleHScuba]

You’re welcome!

[@isenmileshamson4603]

That's a lot of techniques 😮 Techniques that I personally never heard of!!!

[@CircleHScuba]

It’s good to know alternatives! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@humanvoicemail5059]

I had no idea there were multiple ways thank you!

[@CircleHScuba]

You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes!

[@fuexiong88]

Wow, when I clinched my throat and moved my jaw forward and then lower, I was able to open up my eustachian tubes so easily. This is genius. Now, I'll have to keep practicing. Diving ear pain-free is wonderful. I owe you big time. I liked this video and subscribe to your channel.

[@CircleHScuba]

So happy it was helpful for you!

[@Knightfire66]

I can dive for 40-50 seconds. I should be able to go up to 30-40 metres deep (with diving shoes). But my ear pain was so much I couldn't go deaper then 2-3m. I will try some of these tomorrow. Hopefully 🤞 5-10m is possible now

[@Astronauts777]

Amazing video I have dived many, many times and I have not heard some of these methods. May I ask? Have you ever accidentally blew your ear drum?

[@CircleHScuba]

Luckily I have never! I’m glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@basc5026]

I experienced that pain on a plane as a kid and it was my worst flying experience ever, it’s scared me from learning how to dive cause I thought i had a problem with my ears.. Great to know it was just an equalisation issue. Bring on Thailand 2025

[@CircleHScuba]

Yeah on a plane hurts bad.

[@testdasi]

Thanks. This is very useful and I learned something new. I will try tilting head and looking up in my next dive trip, perhaps even voluntary tubal opening. Valsava doesn't work with my right ear so I usually just swallow my saliva. It has been working for me but having an alternative technique as a plan B is never a bad idea in my opinion.

[@CircleHScuba]

I agree with having backup plans! Tilting the head helps stretch the tubes too so it may help you clear

[@the.mr.beacher]

Great video! Early and Often!! I would like to point out that the Valsalva + Head-Tilt was a GAME CHANGER for me. 🏆 It's not "in people's head" or otherwise a placebo... nor, is it having your ear as the shallowest point. It's anatomical for some. Case in point, the traditional Valsalva will clear my left ear 100% of the time with no tilt but my right ear will never clear. When I tilt my head left, my right ear now clears 100% of the time. I've tried this in all orientations (head up, horizontal,and head down) and it's always the case. So, it has nothing to do with highest point for me. Hope this helps someone else who is struggling with an ear (eustachian tube) like I did. Love ya and stay safe out there!

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks so much for the comment and the story/testimony too! I think the tilt can stretch the tubes a bit too which can help open them up, so I bet that’s helping your right ear too! Appreciate you watching, hope to see you in other videos!

[@znaj7335]

Hello There. Like mentioned in a video I watched yesterday, I was about to and now just finished my first Scuba Diving lesson, we went 12 meters (aka approx 40 feet) deep and yes it hurt really really bad 😂. I mean to the point where I got scared my drums would rupture. I must say that pinching my nose didn't always work as well as I hoped it to. Definitely wanna be learning the VTO method as soon as possible.

[@CircleHScuba]

Best of luck! I’m sorry that hurt so much!

[@znaj7335]

@@CircleHScuba My instructor taught me a different way to equalize more easily. Which is if it hurts, swim up a slight bit and then equalize and repeat the process till you are at the depth you wanna be at.

[@CircleHScuba]

@znaj7335 that helps too! I think I mention it in this video?

[@znaj7335]

@@CircleHScuba didn't fully watch it yet. So if yes then I can confirm it works.

[@CircleHScuba]

@znaj7335 no worries!

[@csanadcsaszar5234]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO !!❤❤ THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh good I’m so glad!!!

[@DuckeryDoo]

Great explanation, thanks! Combining Valsava with blowing/yawing works like a charm (at last in my chair :D ). I always have problems with my right ear specifically. Gonna give it a try next time in the water :)

[@CircleHScuba]

Woo! Glad it worked for you on dry land, let me know how it goes underwater too! Good luck and enjoy the dive!

[@hoddong2]

WOW. That's what I wanted to know! thanks!

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m so glad it was helpful! Are you a diver? 🤿

[@novatlizrz4931]

Will try the various tips on my next dive.Tq

[@CircleHScuba]

Good luck! Thanks for the comment too, hope to see you in future videos

[@BrightBeacons]

For anyone who has problems with equalizing look into IST pro ear mask with ear covers it’s a god send but it’s a little pricey. But worth every penny

[@graememckay9972]

I've not done the Padi ear clearing course yet. It's next on my list.

[@CircleHScuba]

😂 well there’s not a speciality for it yet but I bet there could be 🤣🤣🤣

[@TushhsuT]

by whatever reason, I can do equalization voluntarily moving nothing in a throat or a jaw. I just can rule that "mussle", and I believe it is a mussle, which triggers the audial tubes to open/close. I can hum to myself, hear loud as I breath in and out, that helps to noise outside sounds if I dont want to hear something :), open tubes and ventilate them (just breathing when they are open) and so on. Unfortunately, it is not something I learned, so I can't teach how to, I just can it all the time I remember myself.

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s amazing!!!!

[@viajerogastronomico6335]

Thank u for this tips

[@CircleHScuba]

No problem! I hope they help!

[@ASPAseethrough]

Very cool explanation!! Thank you.

[@CircleHScuba]

You’re very welcome!

[@TheSchneeeewitttchen]

Hi, is there any animation of voluntary tubal opening? I feel like I would profit a lot from that method but I am not really sure if I understand what’s supposed to happen inside of my mouth, with my tongue and my jaw 😅 English is not my first language, I already used German subtitles- but also the movement looks sooooo subtle, I am not sure if I got it right from just watching you demonstrating it❤

[@CircleHScuba]

I would try a google search, I’m sorry I don’t have the best animation skills!

[@lifeandsocial9442]

thank you! your VDO is help me!

[@CircleHScuba]

You’re welcome!

[@edwardagius4379]

Hi, I equalise in a very simple painless way. I just swallow and they pop. as I go down I keep repeating the technique as necessary. No nose pinching at all. I don't know if everybody else can do this but it is rather easy.

[@CircleHScuba]

It takes practice! I do that sometimes but other times I can’t get a full clear to happen doing that alone. It works for me deeper but the initial 10 meters I don’t fully clear that way

[@Yatogami-ir9yb]

I use method two or voluntary tubal opening all the time to equalize my ears, I was coming to this video not knowing that this was a technique used for diving and I didn't think the way I pop my ears by moving my jaw would work to equalize my ears under water. This is good because I can't do the other methods. The other ones just hurt my ears and I don't know why.

[@CircleHScuba]

I wish I could do the voluntary tubal opening!

[@LochieVR]

Thanks to this video i can now easily swim to the bottom of a 4 meter deep pool!

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh wow that’s great!!! I’m glad it helped!

[@cbadcruiser]

I grew up being able to do the voluntary tubal opening, and as someone who free dive spearfishes a lot, I have a lot of experience doing so. The method you described is a decent way of learning, but you will eventually learn to isolate the muscle and not need to use your jaw. The closest comparison I can think of is how someone learns to wiggle their ears. They first learn by doing it as a reflex reaction when moving their eyebrows, and then learn to isolate the muscles for moving their ears. A second point is that, at least for me, we don't hold the tubes open the entire time. It's only done at short intervals when needed because the muscles are just not very strong. I am only able to hold them open for a maximum of 15 seconds at a time.

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s a couple of great tips, thanks for adding them! I’m going to have to practice this one more myself.

[@JoseSilva-gy8fg]

Obrigado eu , pois entrei no mundo do spinning sensivelmente a ano e meio e ainda estou a aprender, obrigado pelas dicas , tem feito um excelente trabalho parabéns

[@CircleHScuba]

Thank you and congratulations on getting certified! If you have questions let me know! Where did you get certified?

[@TheGoofiestGooberEver64]

I have been doing that swallowing technique without even noticing, and my friends were like "Why do you swallow when you're going down, you always need to come up for air sooner because of it" And I'm just here like "Whose head is hurting because they never looked up a video, NOT ME"

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s awesome! Haha

[@maaikejansen1136]

Thanks for the video, i'm willing to try anything. As a kid i used to be able to clear my ears and spend most of the summer at the bottom of a swimmingpool. But when i was 12 i got a bad ear infection. And havent been able to dive pain free, almost as if i couldnt equalize. Next to these techniques do you know anything else that might be able to help me? I really miss diving below 2 meters and i hope to one day do a diving course.

[@CircleHScuba]

Outside of this I don’t have specific advice unfortunately, but check with a doctor. Going to an ENT would be my recommendation

[@maaikejansen1136]

@@CircleHScuba thanks! I'll definitely do that :)

[@CircleHScuba]

@maaikejansen1136 best of luck!

[@bhaviksaluja8012]

Thanks mate for a very informative video but I don't know why but change in pressure affects my ear more than others. In usual cases it takes a lot of time equalizing pressure, now that I am visiting a place and will be trying Scuba diving for the very first time, I am really afraid of the outcomes of it because one thing that I hate happening is the ear pain which is the worst thing you can experience. So should give it a try or restrain doing it? Thanks!

[@CircleHScuba]

I’d give it a try and just let the instructor know of the problems you face so you can go very slow with the descent and see how it goes

[@bhaviksaluja8012]

@@CircleHScuba thank you so much

[@Power-TS]

Hey can u please tell me what should i do my ears are blocked and none of it works what should i stop doing or start doing that i open them? Btw love the video🎉❤

[@CircleHScuba]

None of these methods work? If so, I’d go to a doctor

[@Power-TS]

@@CircleHScuba thank you i will.i apriciate your reply

[@CircleHScuba]

@Power-TS anytime! Glad you liked the video!

[@yoshy2628]

11:48 - I fly 3-4 times a year, and man, I had an unpleasant experience like this as the pilot had to descend from 9000 meters altitude to 5000 meters in a few minutes. It was the most painful flying experience, with hearing problems after landing, 3-4 days I couldn't hear normally. I bought some earplugs, special for flying, I'm not advertising here the brand, and since then my flying problems have been solved.

[@CircleHScuba]

I only had it happen once where I couldn’t equalize on descent and it was the worse pain I’ve ever felt in my life. So terrible.

[@fabioooh]

Imagine not advertising the brand

[@josephsanchez9987]

Great video! Needed this.

[@CircleHScuba]

I hope it helps!

[@pandemicoftheunvaccinated5367]

I use pro ear mask with ear coverings. Never have to equalise and i'm usually the first one on the bottom.

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎🤿After a while you don’t even think about it because as soon as you hit the water I without thinking about it I put myself through just automatically going through the ear balancing motions! Sometimes just one technique is it while sometimes it takes a shot at others. I think a lot is about the individual person with their sinus like if where you are and the pollen in the location or just general health of getting over a simple cold! We are all so different in our physical health. When I put my head underwater START! But so much going on decent rates trim gas monitoring your dive buddy location well you know! Lots of practice! 😄 but that’s what makes scuba diving great!

[@CircleHScuba]

I completely agree! I start as soon as my head goes until and continue pretty much constantly until I hit my target depth. It does become second nature but as you said, that comes with time too. Always something new to learn and train or practice with diving! Haha.

[@josephdracula7487]

@@CircleHScuba 👍😎🇵🇭🤿! Got to say how you are presenting your content and personal flair to those who are interested in scuba diving is over the top! You have a very relaxing pleasant style that is appealing to those starting out with scuba diving! Those who I have shared your video content to find you very comfortable to understand! I just think you deserve to know this!👍

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks so much Joseph! Wow, that made my day, thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate you sharing these with your friends, always commenting, watching, etc. You’re definitely a super fan!

[@HeLaNoR]

I have developed my own technique that i didnt see on you video but is really easier than all of these. i close my nose from the inside and i push my tongue up an tadaa. if this doesnt go easy i might draw my jaw a bit but that only if i have a cold or smth.

[@CircleHScuba]

Wow, I’ve never heard of that one but I’ll see if I can get it to work

[@KCKFC1]

Can I use these in duck dives? Also how long until the pressure gets to me again?

[@CircleHScuba]

You can yes, and you have to equalize every few feet or every meter roughly. As you go deeper it’s less often usually but still you’ll want to equalize often

[@chrisz.9974]

Do these techniques vary for freediving?

[@CircleHScuba]

They would work for free divers as well the same way

[@joshmaitie5954]

Can you put ear plugs to stop the pressure from accruing

[@CircleHScuba]

They do make ear plugs that are specifically designed for scuba divers. You can’t just use any plugs though, so make sure they’re made for divers. Your local dive shop should have them, but the ones I’ve seen are amzn.to/489BZOf You want to make sure they fit your ears too so that’s why I recommend going into the shop locally, plus you support local business

[@manius_dive]

You have really great videos. Maybe you could make a video what do you think about the Semitec system which is a long hose from the second stage wrapped around the neck as the main breathing apparatus and an octopus hanging on a bungee around the neck

[@CircleHScuba]

Ah yeah that’s actually known as a long hose configuration or hogharthian. I dive that way for sidemount and would if I dove with back mount doubles too. This is a good video idea, I’ll write that down!

[@manius_dive]

@@CircleHScuba In Europe, semitec is starting to become popular even with a single cylinder with two valves. But I will say again the movie is great

[@CircleHScuba]

Thank you again! Semi-tech, interesting! I’ll do some research. I’ve seen people do that with single tank too just because long hose has some benefits. Agencies like UTD do that with single tank for example too.

[@manius_dive]

@@CircleHScuba That's great. I'll be waiting for the video and your opinion

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks!

[@isenmileshamson4603]

Please make a fun and informative video clip about the most unique ways "unique people" equalise!😅 I had a instructor where he can equalise by lifting his tongue!! My personal way is swallowing hard continuously!!

[@CircleHScuba]

If I can collect enough stories like that I’d be happy to haha. I don’t know many people doing things like that 😂

[@philippal8666]

Hey, are earplugs any good for keeping the worst of gunk out your ear. I got taught all these techniques. But man the pain.

[@philippal8666]

But I sink like a stone. So always fall butt first. It’s because even a mini cylinder sends me down fast. I’m small and light, so the BCD plus extras sends me going plop. I’ve had an eardrum rupture so many times (on land). Hence considering earplugs and using appropriate solutions to clean ears. My most used sign is ears 😂😂😂

[@CircleHScuba]

There are specific ear plugs for divers, talk to your dive shop about that. As for falling fast and on your butt, that sounds like a trim problem and maybe overweighted. Something to always adjust with :)

[@1liene2]

What about equalizing the pressure in your sinuses? Any tips? Please.

[@CircleHScuba]

To be totally honest, sinus squeeze is HORRIBLE and I definitely do not recommend pushing through it. Some people do take Sudafed or similar products but it’s not recommended as the product can wear off while underwater, which can cause your sinuses to block again, and then when you ascend you’ll have what’s known as a reverse squeeze. You can try massaging your forehead and such but when I have true sinus blockage I just have to cancel the dive. It’s not worth the pain to me 😢

[@1liene2]

@@CircleHScuba What my husband does is swimming at "comfortable" depth and after a while it pops open and he can continue without pain. Maybe this helps somebody. Doctors don' t find anything wrong in CT.

[@CircleHScuba]

Thank you for sharing the tip! That sounds painful, I hope he’s able to enjoy himself still and doesn’t have to deal with too much pain from it

[@fk4128]

I had an Apnea training yesterday and got down to 3,80m. Equalization is always not easy for me and it was quite painful. Never expected that.

[@CircleHScuba]

Nice job on the depth but yeah, definitely make sure you can equalize. Diving shouldn’t be painful

[@fk4128]

@@CircleHScuba I never thought this depth would be an issue at all. But now I know better. Thanks for your video.

[@CircleHScuba]

@fk4128 you’re welcome!

[@YouTube_user3333]

Don’t feel bad! Most people who start out, find they have trouble past 4 meters. Keep working at it.

[@Alex-bn7et]

so.. apparently, I have something called TMJ disorder and for all my life I've never been able to equalize by pinching my nose, instead I've been unknowingly mastering some technique that other people are trying to achieve and is difficult for them :D I can literally control my tubes with my jaw as easy as moving my eyes :D I guess I've been training for scuba diving without knowing

[@CircleHScuba]

Wow, that’s crazy!

[@georgejunggg]

how are you doing it ? Because pinching my nose does also never work for me. Thank you

[@roflryan1]

how do you know if it works? Will the pain just disappear and your good?

[@CircleHScuba]

When you go underwater, in a pool, while snorkeling, or scuba diving you’ll feel pressure on your ears within a few feet or just 1-2 meters. Equalizing relieves that. It’s the same release feeling as being on a plane or going over a mountain when your ears “pop” and release pressure.

[@_Talos]

Lowry technique works best for me

[@CircleHScuba]

Nice!

[@Nautnagrag]

Quick question; When i dive down and do the Valsalva manuever everything is fine. But once i dive UP and go UP my ears start to feel pain again but i cant equalize my ears.

[@CircleHScuba]

You shouldn’t have to equalize on the way up at all. That sounds like maybe you are getting a reverse squeeze. Google that, potentially talk to a doctor about it too. That’s a lot of pain if it happens

[@Nautnagrag]

@@CircleHScuba Thanks for the quick reply!

[@SkeellyyGT]

So when i ascend from like 5 meters at max, am i gonna have pain? should i ascend slowly? And do i have to equalize mid ascend?

[@CircleHScuba]

Ascent (going up) is fine, it’s going down that you have to equalize and yes, at 5m you’ll want to equalize on the way down

[@cfm6229]

if you can somehow figure out a way for someone with a cold to do that, especially when decending in a plane that would be awesome. infants have a real problem when changing altitude in planes!

[@CircleHScuba]

Sudafed but I’m not sure if it’s safe for babies, ask your pediatrician 😬

[@CircleHScuba]

Sorry to hear that’s a problem for you 😢

[@cookingmadesimple5395]

Thank you dear

[@CircleHScuba]

I hope it’s helpful

[@sulaimansameeh6763]

Hi, your vidoes are so helpful as you always explained everything so patiently. I really appreciate it. Well i always wanted to scuba dive in my life of which i did very recently. I am from Oman, but currently bisited Dubai for Holiday. I decided to scuba dive in the Dubai Deep Dive and from what i learnt is that for beginners only 11 meters is allowed. So then i deicide to dive in the Dubai Malls Aquarium instead where i can encounter sharks, stingrays etc as well. And so i did. I was satisfying when i saw the staff trained and equipments were all PADI. Anyways so they trained me but when i was diving for the 1st time in my life, ofcourse short training in the shallow waters were i was inhailing the oxygen nitrogen wat ever thst mixture is called as it was my first time since we inhale and exhale via mouth, so after training we had this shorts stops for clearing the ear but my left ear was paining so badly like heck i gave signals as i was trained to clear the eae it was ok. After the dive from the nose and mouth i spat little blood. The diver told me its normal and dont forcefully keep spitting it will eventually stop of which it actually did. Im glad thank god i was a bit worried. Kindly explain to me why did i get blood ? I hope i did not rupture anything 😕? And sorry for so long mesaage as this is important so the public can learn. Always learn. And finally based on my small experience of just 11 meters my deepest condolence to the TITAN victims as i got a jist of what is pressure down there i can imagine the presuure crusing u to a pulp in milliseconds. RIP 🥺

[@CircleHScuba]

The titan sub is definitely sad 😔 I am so glad you got to try scuba diving finally, congratulations! I’ve never been to the Arabian peninsula so I’ve never been to Oman, and never to Dubai either! I would love to visit that area some day. As for your question about the blood, that sounds like it could be a few different things. Was it painful? If so, you should look into visiting a doctor to make sure you didn’t rupture anything. It may have been sinus blockage or something in your ear. If it wasn’t painful, it could also be the snorkel may have cut your mouth a little, or something else happened. The pressure change alone can sometimes cause a bloody nose for people if they’re very sensitive to it. If there was any pain at all, I’d recommend seeing a doctor just in case! Good luck! Thank you for your comment, I don’t mind it being a long message 😊

[@sulaimansameeh6763]

Wwow your reply was really quick thank you. Talking about paid yes while diving more down it was paining badly obviously it was my totally first time ever the left ear was painful like hell like uncomfortable feeling. After I was out you know due to cold leaking nose and you blow it to clean thats when I noticed little blood and the clearing my throat also a little but honestly it stopped. And more over no pain felt at all after. As the diver told me its normal. I still wonder from where did that blood come hahaha. Thanks for your reply. Appreciate it.

[@CircleHScuba]

@sulaimansameeh6763 it was probably some ruptured blood cells in your sinuses or ears, especially if you had pain while you were diving too. You shouldn’t have any pain when you dive. You need to equalize early and often, and if you cannot equalize you should go up maybe 1 meter, try again. I’m glad you are ok!

[@sulaimansameeh6763]

@@CircleHScuba thanks for the advice. Yes asending would be right. Anyway I'm OK no blood no pain. But a good lesson to learn. Thanks alot.

[@CircleHScuba]

@sulaimansameeh6763 anytime!

[@hidehide-d3g]

WoW！　Amazing! I'm glad to hear that.

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tobbas997]

I learned once that it can help if you fill your ears with watrer before diving, like open you hoody to let water sip in the ear canal before going for a dive.

[@CircleHScuba]

If you have a neoprene hood on yes, you should let water into the hood or you’ll have trouble equalizing. Great point

[@ReneMakeFoods]

Last summer i went scuba diving too for the first time. I manage to use the technique for underwater but where i get higher to exit the water with my instructer the pressure in my ears starting to hurt. And still now if i swallow saliva i hear like a pop or a click is this all normal?

[@ReneMakeFoods]

I did like 6 meters deep btw but i manage to equalize my ears on the way down tho! 😅

[@CircleHScuba]

If this was a year ago and you still have a weird feeling I’d check with a doctor. Normally you don’t have to equalize on the way up at all.

[@ReneMakeFoods]

@@CircleHScuba okay ty 👍🏼👍🏼

[@mladenmilosevic2052]

This video was so helpful to me, but i have some experience to explain. Today i dived in around 8-11m, finding some rocks. After i reached the 'bottom' spot, i blow the air and pinched the nose, when i fel the pressure. The thing is i fel too much pain in my ears and some strange sound of "zzzz", like something is about to blow up (guess my eardrums), after that, went back to surface and it was all good, i had some pain inside ears and a little of headache (guess this is because of the panic i had when i heared wierd sound in my ears), what do you think i could've done better?

[@CircleHScuba]

You should start equalizing sooner from what it sounds like. Usually just 2-3 meters and you’ll already want to start

[@mladenmilosevic2052]

Oh, so that needs to be done really often, everytime i feel anything inside ears i should equalize? Think i get the point, tomorrow is going to be the day, thank you so much!

[@CircleHScuba]

@mladenmilosevic2052 yes exactly

[@niravjhaveri]

Thank you so much!

[@CircleHScuba]

You’re welcome!

[@aspiregtx8818]

I watched the vid a couple of days ago and i tried it out a lot. The problem is that i can only clear my right ear. Is that normal and can i fix it? Great vid tho

[@CircleHScuba]

Does your left ear hurt while diving then?

[@aspiregtx8818]

No i doesn't ur a legend😂

[@CircleHScuba]

Well if the other ear isn’t hurting it’s clear, so you’re good!

[@tradalwakeel]

I used to have difficulty in equalizing my ears and it takes too much time to decent, however the biggest problem is that I have severe vertigo when I ascend and reach near the surface and I don’t know why .. so unfortunately I stopped diving

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m sorry to hear that! Did you try working with an ENT doc at all?

[@tradalwakeel]

@ yeah I visited an ENT doctor but apparently they are not familiar with scuba diving issues .. but as a professional do you have any idea if wearing the diving mask that has the ear cover can solve the problem of equalization ? Cuz I really love scuba diving and I would do anything just to resume diving

[@CircleHScuba]

@tradalwakeel I don’t know for sure to be honest, but I’d encourage you to seek an ENT that does have some experience with this!

[@spencer94ful]

is it fine if sometimes i feel the equalization only in one ear?

[@CircleHScuba]

As long as there’s no pain in the other ear it’s fine

[@darthknowl9222]

There’s a technique that a Scuba Buddy of mine taught me. You place your knuckles next to your nostrils and blow. It’s similar to the first technique, but I think it’s a bit more effective. I have had equalizing issues, and that technique works like a charm. The next dove I did after learning it, I sank like a rock 🪨

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m going to have to try that out! Thank you for the tip! I appreciate the comment too, hope to see you in more videos!

[@Helmimeg]

i have learned the methode 2 by nature when i was at 17 of my age doing free diving up to 15 m , but i have a doubt , when i do cliff jumping sometimes my ears start to hurt me so much and i feel the pain starting from throat to ears , of course i know the reason which is the fast change of presure but my friends jump from 20m hights and they drop like a rocket up to 10 m but they never say they have pain , they keep repeating this the whole day , i have no idea for why they don t feel pain

[@CircleHScuba]

Maybe they’re clearing their ears?

[@Helmimeg]

@@CircleHScuba i don t think so , those guys didn t even wear a diving musk their entire life

[@CircleHScuba]

@PINACOLADATN you don’t need a mask to equalize though

[@beyez]

01:03 i was sick when i dove the satil shipwreck, so i didnt equalize, i dont know how i was fine after diving to 17 meters, my ears are made of netherite or somthing

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s crazy!

[@achraftay5555]

thank's bro keep going

[@CircleHScuba]

Anytime!!! I will do so!

[@darthknowl9222]

Good video

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks! I appreciate you taking time to comment too

[@jan-mi9rj]

How deep does it usualy start to hurt ?

[@loreusbruno2572]

Hi, when i try to equalise by blowing the air seems to be coming out of the corner of my eye. Is this normal or can I do something against this?

[@CircleHScuba]

I’d go talk with an ENT doctor to ask about this

[@morganfayel9329]

I do the second technique unconsciously everytime I trip by airplane or driving on uphill road....and I didn't kwnow this was a diving technique...😅

[@CircleHScuba]

It’s one way!

[@mikewenlov55]

Can do ears separately..- use of various methods.. for decades. Sometimes can’t .. like on a plane

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s awesome that you can just do it. Most people have to use one of the methods here

[@Technonsia]

don't use a nose spray for diving, but if you travel with planes, I do recommend using the nose spray when the plane starts its descent. everyone is in pain while you are watching the show :)

[@CircleHScuba]

This is a pro travel tip for sure haha

[@nicholasvaldez8322]

When you equalize what are you actually doing in your ears? Are you getting trapped air out?

[@CircleHScuba]

Great question. There’s “dead space” where air is in your middle ear. That air compresses with pressure from the water as you descend. You add air to your middle ears through methods mentioned which equalizes the pressure on both sides of your eardrum basically. Not a doctor but that’s the rough basic idea 😊

[@nicholasvaldez8322]

@@CircleHScuba Thanks. Is this added air coming from air you’re inhaling and pushing through your sinuses?

[@CircleHScuba]

@nicholasvaldez8322 yes exactly.

[@Pete_R63]

Pinching has never worked for me so I have always just swallowed. Sometimes my mouth is a bit dry and on my GoPro you can hear me making this funny noise which is me trying to work up some saliva. Throughout dives I look around and see everyone else pinching their noses and I often wonder if anyone would notice that I never do. I've heard that some people hum but that hasn't seemed to do anything for me.

[@CircleHScuba]

Pinch and swallow may help too, but that’s awesome that swallowing alone works for you. Honestly as long as you can equalize, I don’t care how you do it haha. Don’t hurt yourself and keep the pressure equalized and you’ll be fine. Thanks for sharing!

[@fabikalypt5222]

I don't have a problem with clearing my ears, but at a depth of like 4-5 meters i feel pressure/pain between my eyes on my forehead. I have not managed to get rid of it no matter what I'm doing, as i only can clear my ears, not my nose or front-sinus. Any help?

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s definitely sinus squeeze. If you’ve tried a number of times, I’d talk to a doctor to see what options they suggest. I really hope they can come up with something for you!

[@alakazoom87]

11:30 i had this once! Going back up was so painful

[@CircleHScuba]

It’s terrible when it happens

[@Bubbleplugthatup]

@CircleHScuba i was training and i got down of a deep pole and i got my first pressure pain

[@CircleHScuba]

@Bip201 definitely make sure to clear your ears properly!

[@Bubbleplugthatup]

@CircleHScuba yeah but i didn't know that at the time

[@huyenmy5123]

Thanks for sharing, that’s really useful information. But what if my ears didn’t hurt at all and my forehead felt like it was about to crack 😭 I also felt nauseous and dizzy a couple of hours later. I went to the doctor but he had no idea why and I just took some xray test. I really wanted to know if that was the consequences of any mistakes I had made when diving so I could avoid it next time.

[@CircleHScuba]

I’m not sure what specifically caused it but definitely work with your doctor to make sure. That doesn’t sound super normal but could be anything from a dive related issue to congestion and your equilibrium was off. I’m not a doctor, so please do work with them if you’re concerned.

[@huyenmy5123]

@@CircleHScuba thank you, I had gone to the doctor before commenting this and it was alright. But I’m afraid it will happen again when I’m diving next time 😭

[@CircleHScuba]

It may be sinus congestion?

[@UItradubz]

I can swim in the deep end now!!!

[@UItradubz]

Actually thanks though, I’ve always wanted to swim deeper in a lake to see fish!!!

[@CircleHScuba]

Deep end of the pool, diving in a lake, the ocean, etc. I hope it’s helpful!

[@NormaTLeon]

Maybe it’s because My left Frontal sinus is completely blocked that just swallowing without blocking my nose, works for me. Yeah sometimes it takes longer than others to get down, but it always 100% works for me..

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s awesome that you can clear that way!

[@anitadadal4325]

The 2nd one: voluntary tubal opening is me🐸

[@CircleHScuba]

I wish I could do that one!

[@anitadadal4325]

@@CircleHScuba I think it just comes natural for some people. I started doing it since I was small because I went in the airplane a few times and my ears would be hard to hear when we went up. As soon as we came down to land, my ears would pop!

[@teddyruxpin3811]

Am I the only one that can voluntarily "click" my ears without moving my jaw or throat in any way? It's like people that can wiggle their ear lobes. I have direct control over the tiny muscles in/near my Eustachian tubes. When I'm diving, it does it automatically and I don't have to click but I still do it just to be safe every 20 feet or so.

[@CircleHScuba]

That’s awesome! I know some people that can do that click thing, but never thought about it with equalizing.

[@teddyruxpin3811]

@CircleHScuba next time you meet someone who can do it, put your ear next to theirs and ask them to make the click. You'll be able to hear it. The listener says it sounds like a little insect scratch. But to us its much louder. It's really strange.

[@CircleHScuba]

@teddyruxpin3811 oh I’ve heard it before I just haven’t known anyone try to clear their ears that way haha

[@vedantjaiswal6734]

Wait a minute now you mentioned it I can also do it but I don't know swimming

[@rismakirey4941]

bagaimana cara memperbaiki masker yang bocor karena ganti lensa minus?

[@CircleHScuba]

It leaks because you changed the lens?

[@rismakirey4941]

iya betul

[@CircleHScuba]

I never replaced the lens in my mask, I’m sorry I’m not sure

[@KarelleDIY]

Awesome

[@CircleHScuba]

Glad you liked it!

[@goncasoliveira]

In my center and my experience, the best is to actually go in a horizontal position. Like you said, your more prone to till you're head up in this position, and in case of pain, if you become vertical, you just gained between 50 to 100cm which will relieve the pain immediately. Plus, for certain dive spots, being vertically is the last thing you want to do because of currents

[@CircleHScuba]

Agreed on the currents for sure. I think descending horizontal is a little more "advanced" for many divers (don't get me wrong, I don't think it's necessarily advanced but a new diver that needs to know how to equalize a bit easier may not be horizontal descending yet). I agree with what you're saying, but just wanted to say that I envision this as being a video newer divers are looking up for their struggle during OW class for example or right after OW, and they may not be comfortable descending super easily yet.

[@Diddy291]

But why you did not mentioned that equalisation properly has to do even before you get diving? So you don't forget when you are already in water.

[@CircleHScuba]

Honestly I think that’s important but this was more about methods to equalize

[@snorreemilreigstad]

When i try to do the valsalva my ears pop and it hurts Even more, it might be because i blow to hard

[@CircleHScuba]

You may need to start equalizing earlier. Don’t blow too hard, but also start earlier for sure.