Why Can't I Equalize? How to Solve Your Equalization Problems

[@ridgeway2933]

Adam you’re a wizard. I wish you could know the amount of joy I’m experiencing right now. I thought i might never be able to dive because of problems equalizing. I’ve had painful squeaks for years and tried everything. I went to an ENT doctor and he thought my Eustachian tubes might be smaller than normal. Your fresnel tutorial works. I just equalized my ears together, without pain, for the first time In 7 years.

[@skip1978]

how did you do it, my left ear equalizes perfectly, my right ear does not.

[@jessmiller9577]

What’s the fresnel tutorial?

[@svm5543]

Having such a hard time with my equalization, which is quite frustrating as a new diver who feels progression in all other aspects of my dives, sometimes I feel I exert too much energy and air and lose my breath quick into a dive struggling to equalize. Every now and then I'll equalize and get a great dive gonna practice stretching my tubes

[@uchacendana809]

How do you overcome this?

[@ngreen9305]

Just what I needed.

[@AdamFreediver]

And i've been told my timing is terrible haha

[@ke_trainer]

Merhaba Adam, Türkçe altyazılı olsa bende öğrenirdim. Teşekkürler.

[@danielklugman1195]

im diving for almost 2 years, have a 5:30 sta , a 125 m dynb , but cant get ovet 10 m depth without ear/equalize issues! really hope will do better after this video . thanks Adam!

[@jaybond9386]

So when i equalize, i get air coming out of one eye tear duct, how can you stop this happening and does this happen to some divers??

[@Isaduhatulo]

This happens to me all the time!!!! Gosh, i thought i was the only one

[@ttecnotut]

Bump. Same problem

[@dmitryshevchenko349]

You guys are joking right? Tell me you’re joking.

[@Isaduhatulo]

@@dmitryshevchenko349 i hope im joking but we're dead serious man.

[@102390chris]

Happens to me to from what my instructor told me it just happens to a few people

[@touchdownspace]

What about mental issues 😂😂😂 On a serious note: Thank you for sharing!

[@AkilezNewEngland]

T O U C H D O W N LOL omg

[@ehabsamirmina-3281]

Hi Adam This video is the best video I have ever watched about equalization problems Really well done 👍🏻 It answers my questions about my personal problems with equalization because only my left ear equalize but when I swallow both of my ears equalize perfect So I was confused about that now I think I have an anatomical issue with my nasal path as you mentioned in the video Finally Thank you 🙏 And greetings from your big fan from Egypt 🇪🇬 Red Sea 🌊

[@strssko]

Well, I have a problem that I cant equalize my left ear only. The right ear equalizes without any effort and with left its really hard. What should i do?

[@Maria-wy9ou]

I have the same issue. Did you find any advice?

[@vanillalalalalala]

I can do Frenzel and BTV with head up easily, but cannot when head down :( Thanks for your sharing~ I will try to overcome it

[@muhammadnuhamaulanapasya2804]

Same with me

[@vanillalalalalala]

@@muhammadnuhamaulanapasya2804 i still can't do it yet :(

[@GabrielCarvv]

@@vanillalalalalala Keep trying, friend! Make sure to do it gradually: a little bit angled, then a bit more, etc.

[@craigr306]

I am stick of trying all I do is blow air out my eye.

[@ESPNsPeacockbassProfessor]

Will smoking weed affect my equalizing it didnt when i was younger and its only my right ear😢now cant smoke or dive😭

[@DaanVerhoeven]

i love it when you say 'toight'!

[@AdamFreediver]

There are many words that I keep tucked away just for you Daan.

[@DaanVerhoeven]

@@AdamFreediver toightly tucked 😘

[@YouTube_user3333]

Noice 😆

[@felix.salmon]

Super informative video Adam! People are going to think I have corona if I keep touching my nose doing these Eustachian tube stretches in public 😂

[@cariinaa1423]

hahaha samee

[@ke_trainer]

Hadi dostum❤, şu videoya Türkçe altyazı ekle. Mükemmel videonu merak ediyorum.

[@kivqzw6886]

Any tips? My left ear equalized perfectly but my right here dosent equalize sometimes, other days equalizing works perfectly other days it dosent

[@alexburkart5538]

Adam the 🐐

[@HPTM]

"Anyone can learn to go around their anatomical issue... " So true and powerful :) this video need more views!!!

[@ehabsamirmina-3281]

Huỳnh Phi Tiễn Musique I’m facing same issue

[@therainchannel01]

my ears pop when i go climb up a mountain on a hike . does that mean i can not equalize pressure and so can not scuba dive ?????

[@ToddAaronSailing]

Awesome! Love your videos! I just last weekend I got my frenzel to work for me while scuba diving. My ears have caused me issues since I started diving and I have to go down slow to clear them. I tried freediving and had issues clearing, but was just starting to get the frenzel technique down. I've been practicing daily and this video gives me some additional methods to "train" the eustachian tubes! Looking forward to freediving again to see how I can do now!

[@primalphysique]

you are the best man... super helpful!

[@montanabuntragulpoontawee4065]

Love this vid and your lovely family at the end of this video :) Super cute baby.

[@behnambahadory50]

Thank you for what you do man. I am struggling with frenzel and I found out something interesting. I know how to do frenzel but when I am upside down the equalization doesn't work, because in free diving we are upside down, I practiced in dry and I found my problem is being upside down, do you have any suggestions and recommendations for me? Thank you man you are the best 🙏🏻

[@andreygelbajenting6071]

Woww Adam!!! The only video I watched in YT that doesn't have any dislikes and you simply deserve it. Such very informative and comprehensive video indeed. Thank you so much fot this. It's really a big help for aspiring free divers like me. SML from your fans here in Philippines. 😎🤙

[@wattabeat237]

I got nose bleed when I'm free diving', because I force myself to dive even I can't equalize proper, I still dive at the bottom., how can I treat nosebleed damage? and how many weeks or months I will rest not diving? pls! pls! respond to my comment!! thank you and God bless!! #safedive #my problem

[@boakonstriktor7973]

Just started L1 freediving cours, had 2 trainings and I cannot equalize. Sometimes I get to 5m but that is it! I am trying and trying but I just can't. I am getting frustrated.

[@edztv1043]

Sir I don't think I'm doing it right but when I do equalise the air simply went out to my eyes if I do the frenzel...

[@ayushkalra9514]

Hi there! Is the equalization also relevant for descents during air travel? I feel extreme discomfort post air travels.

[@Vini7034]

Do you know why I have the problem with air coming out of my eyes when equalizing if i don't close them?

[@TrizhaKyleOLiz]

sometimes I had my right ear not popping, sometimes it does, sometime when swallowing or yawning but valsalva only my left ear pop

[@Alm-bp5jh]

i want to learn frenzels, but i need to increase the felxibility of my eustachiaan tube. can i used valsalva to do the exercise first than learn bout frenzel after it get flexible?

[@ankie_me]

after I equalize my ears, it comes back to normal after few seconds sometimes after a minute. is it normal? I have sinusitis as well

[@notmekait]

Thank you so muchhhh this video helped a lot

[@rabiehamra9048]

U are the besttt

[@amenaalrostom7630]

Training to go into the sea by diving with feet first??????

[@chrisgleeson2443]

many thanks Adam only recently started spearfishing again after 35yrs and have had a lot of trouble equalising thought it may have been me just getting old..but looking forward to giving your exercises a try to see if they help. Cheers

[@brandonwolf2803]

So are we supposed to swallow during frenzel? I feel the pressure wall build, but not a legit pop.

[@marinegendebien9695]

Super interessting video Adam ! Thank you

[@deepbluewaterful]

Hi Adam, at what depth you start to reverse pack?

[@mabb291]

Very clear, thank you. Tried freediving for the first time today and was unable equalise in the water. Practice tonight and hopefully tomorrow with my new knowledge I'll be able to go down without hurting my ears! :-)

[@kirkjamesss8879]

Is that suunto d5? 😅

[@Divingsin]

Thank you for the good information.

[@CAMLIBUI]

how to equalize the mask , thanks

[@mikekientz4445]

Love your videos explained well

[@newport5504]

this must be the first video i have seen with not one dislike, great information thank you

[@AdamFreediver]

Thanks! yeah I'm always surprised when people do dislike my tutorial videos hahaha

[@LondonMermaid]

This is great Adam. I can't seem to equalize head first and it's driving me nuts. Thank you for the advice.

[@TreasureMann]

Thanks for che tips Adam! The reverse packing is going to be a great help. How about the “surfers ear” as an anatomical problem. I recommend to wear a hood or neoprene headband to protect your ears and a special liquid to dry your ears if you don’t get the water out.

[@diveviz-justgetwet9726]

Epic Adam thanks so much!!

[@korhk72]

I got the exacty same t-shirt!

[@mikekientz4445]

Can you practice at home

[@bernardserino6509]

I've messaged Adam about this early this year, it helped me a lot since then. And it is much understandble with the video! Hahahaha

[@lisa-fg8zh]

What am I doing wrong?Why am I getting "swimmers ear"? Water in my ears then severe pain. Doctor says just stay out of the water. So painful.

[@danhaire3064]

Hi Adam thanks for this video. I've been seeing ENTs for my chronic ETD and lately I have been exercising my eustachian tubes every day. A month ago I found it really difficult to get any air up my Eustachian tubes but now after practicing every day it is getting easier. I have to hold a valsalva for several seconds though to let the pressure 'break through' into my middle ear and I also have to pull my jaw down and to the right to pop my right ear. Unfortunately due to this issue being long standing for me, I have weakened (retracted) ear drums. I hope one day I will be able to try diving again.

[@eriktruong9856]

After equalizing i feel like the middle looses pressure when i stop pinching my nose. As such I can only dive to around 5 meters without feeling any discomfort. How do you keep your middle ear pressurised after you are finished equalizing so that you can dive deeper?

[@fuzzyheadsjournal]

Same problem here did you ever get it figured out?

[@notdrake5518]

@@fuzzyheadsjournal same problem here how many times do we have to equalize?

[@nike9099]

Tnx, helped me

[@jessicarae07]

Should your ears fully pop when equalizing on land?

[@beatezeuner1817]

usuallly, yes. Maybe if you equalise a lot, it may not be possible if they just popped out to do it again instantly. For me it works to "breath" in with my nose pinched, then they pop back (or at least the right one, the left one is my problem child). Yearning or swalling could also help to readjust them. I wonder if it should work in any position. Cant do it in any position that is horizontal or below, doesnt matter if on land or in water. I'll keep practicing :)

[@humanyrootz]

Hi Adam, my jaws are problematic. I have closings issues , my jaws closing process il made in two steps or better ‘shots’. Plus i grind my teeth at night. The difficult biting process had probably increased the volume of some muscles of the jaws. I think that this thing obstruct my full managing of the larinx muscles... Can it be?

[@AdamFreediver]

It's hard for me to say from afar but I think you should still be able to fully use your larynx :) But I really can't say without seeing you equalise

[@humanyrootz]

Adam Freediver i can equalize, but it s more difficult... By the way i saw a doctor and he saidtocme that i have a tubal dysfunction. He gave me some treatment and this week we gonna make the otoscopy... 🥶

[@cristinap.509]

Great video!! Full of relevant and useful information and tips. THANK YOU!!

[@fourforaboy575]

Thanks Adam! When I tried to equalise, I was realising that only my right ear was popping, and just like you said in this video, I went to look in the mirror and my septum is wonky. I have been doing the equalising exercise, and I'm not sure how quick it's supposed to work, but when I got to the last step, my left ear popped without pain. Miracle worker you are.

[@Walter_Berg]

So is it all good? I mean I have the same problem and I am interested are you able to dive?

[@Maria-wy9ou]

I have exactly the same problem. How are you now?

[@eldarius237]

Brilliant... I am struggling between 15 and 20. Nobody taught me to reverse pack even! Gonna try it in one day, wish me luck.

[@Eelee77]

Hi Adam! What happens if you equalize too much? (from Cebu, Philippines)

[@amenaalrostom7630]

Thank you for the nice detailed explanation. I cannot adjust when descending with my head. It seems that my soft palate is blocking my nasal passages. How do I learn to descend vertically with my feet?

[@grandehussar1868]

Hi Adam, I have a question as I have a difficult time with diving head down having neck in neutral position (If I keep eye contact to the bottom I have no problem with equalizing but when in neutral its different story). Somehow with neutral neck position I have a lot of water coming deep inside my ear and it shuts my ear from equalizing. Usually I have to be in a surface for bit so the water gets out and then my ear slowly starts to work again when talking about equalization. Any tips or experience?

[@maximzavadskiy]

Haven't laughed while actually learning for a while. Thanks Adam!

[@hannesboogaerts798]

Adam, Loving your videos I m at Dahab Freediving atm AIDA 2. My right ear does not make any sound when I equalise how is that?

[@denmyos]

funny, i only have problems with my left ear equalizing head first. Feet first no problems.?

[@Rainherself]

You're so young, yet watching this made me think you're a GURU. my gosh. Amazing

[@syedjaffar310]

This is useful... i still cannot do freediving. Only scuba but always having trouble equalizing

[@daveb5026]

Why does hard equalization cause lightheadedness when held?? What is the physiological action?

[@letyogaflow]

Great Videos, I‘m not even sure if I watch the video because it makes me laugh or because it’s very informative!

[@jacksonparsons7643]

Thanks from Northern Ireland! The "stretching exercises" look very interesting. I will do them between dives and "grease the groove".

[@minty69420]

Yes this is Amazing, I was going to freedive and then suddenly I couldn’t equalize using my jaw anymore, but now that I have seen your video it solved my problem, thank you very much.

[@andreygelbajenting6071]

Woww Adam!!! The only video I watched in YT that doesn't have any dislikes and you simply deserve it. Such very informative and comprehensive video indeed. Thank you so much fot this. It's really a big help for aspiring free divers like me. SML from your fans here in Philippines. 😎🤙

[@SindreEide93]

i get in to trouble at 10-15m and dang it that might be it. I am not really to efficient with mask equalization. Also I belive it's the reverse packing I do not know how. I know what to work on aaaaaand I make that sound XD

[@ChavaLeEtranger]

great video, as always! ... just please, the correct pronunciation is more like [eustakian]. Thank you!

[@luizamartello4205]

Omg this is the BEST video I have ever watched on it! You’re amazing Adam! Thank you so much for restoring my motivation to keep trying!

[@heshammedhat1027]

I had an ear infection during my PADI course and i never found anyone who explain what is happening in this simple clear details 🙂. believe it or not! i could equilize easy during watching this video. BIG THANK YOU

[@marcoterenghi4127]

Adam you are the best! I wish I could take line diving classes with you!

[@ubosh3901]

my nose is almost always runny and blocked, yet I go freediving, and thankfully I can equalize super fine, I just need to equalize every half meter as I'm going deeper, deepest I'v hit was between 12 to 15 meters

[@dianneravilo6586]

Hi Sir Adam! Thank you for sharing this. I'm just a beginner in freediving and I had a hard time equalizing my right ear. After a month of doing the exercise you gave, I am now able to equalize both ears at the same time. However, my right ear only gives a "pff" sound and not a complete "pop". Do you have any other exercise that you can recomment to solve this problem of mine or should I continue this exercise that you gave in this video? It would really help me a lot if you could reply on this. Thank you so much.

[@baenggu9]

Off I go stretching then. I have problems equalising my left ear, need to close my eyes as air escapes with a whistling sound from right eye :o. Hope this helps, thanks for posting.

[@jackmartin2590]

Nailed all my issues! I remember doing level one while swimming head donw, at 14ish i would have to turn around and either pull myself down the rope the rest of the way, or proceed to swim down another 2-3 meters and repeat the process. Freaked my instructor out the first time thought i was panicking. But we worked it out together Still had plenty left in the lungs. Having not dived in a while same issues have all come back, can never beat practice training and time in the water to get comfortable and RELAX. Awesome content adam

[@aquailscurlyfeather]

Adam, I have a distantly related question, I'm unclear if this is a problem in any way: when underwater and doing a backflip/barrel roll, my ears immediately deeply flood with water, making equalization from then on painful and forcing me to surface and deal with it. It breaks my flow and I wonder if this is common in any way or how I could deal. My dive doctor said I wouldn't have an physical issues Thanks ahead for any advice!

[@fatfreddy2000]

Thanks a lot man, and is it possible to have ALL the issues you listed? hahaha I loose so much energy in equalization

[@lifeshuk]

Thank you for solviing problem of one ear equalization issue

[@hanyahmed4394]

Nice video ...willing to see u in dahab or sharm weather i know it's very far from Australia

[@Beautiful_Sound_1995]

So there's a thing I can do without touching my nose, where I can hear a crackle but if hold I can hear my breathing in my head. It's hard to describe. Is that the right thing? If I do it holding my nose, I feel one of my inner ears expanding. I have no idea what I'm doing. LOL

[@rajinnizam5800]

Hello Adam, and family, Thanks for the very, very informative video. However, i suffer badly from allergic rhinitis. And due a bad childhood, i think, my palate tend to close at anything that causes anxiety. Am i hopeless? Are you sure you are not a medical doctor?

[@svm5543]

Having such a hard time with my equalization, which is quite frustrating as a new diver who feels progression in all other aspects of my dives, sometimes I feel I exert too much energy and air and lose my breath quick into a dive struggling to equalize. Every now and then I'll equalize and get a great dive gonna practice stretching my tubes

[@ENEL287]

Question: So I practice at home while standing, but if bend my body and put my head down i can only equalize about twice and my ears fill up, at least that's what if feels like, but as soon as i put my head up and swallow my ears pop again and then i can continue to equalize, I figured if it happens out of the water it will happen in the water as well, or is this supposed to happen? And yes I'm having a hard time going 6 plus meters under water, great videos, you are the best.

[@abdulghamdi1603]

Thank Abu Ellie for this video it helps alot. Have a bloody good day yourself mate :^)

[@jacobbrown3225]

Hey man I am a beginner spear fisherman and struggle to equalise around 5-10m and find i lose a lot of my breath attempting to any advice or is this just how it is?

[@elania9773]

Whoot! Thank you Adam. Always so helpful! The reverse packing tutorial is definitely my issue. Heading to Nicaragua for an awesome freedive camp soon. Hope to make it to your side of the world for a Deep week eventually. Cheers! 😁😁❤❤

[@owlmeetscatofficialpage593]

Wow, what a well presented and well informed tutorial. So much great info here and it gives me heart that I can get past my own eq issues.

[@l3lackoutsMedia]

Thank you for these nice tips. I really need to fix my all year congestion issue to get this to work even more reliably. Who knows whats causing this dust, allergies or some disease.

[@claytondoty9512]

The crackling thing is huge for me. Thank you for covering that.

[@dancingclo]

A gift to the world you are - And congrats again on your gorgeous happy bebe. You must be both so happy :)

[@Nicolas-mc1sw]

Thank you for this video. I really needed. I can dive better now.

[@isaacsimmy]

Do the equalisations for the exercise to stretch the eustachian tubes need to be with frenzel or valsava?

[@Cyuoffi]

I always could not equalize while scubadiving head down. Just last week i did my first "official" freedive training and was so frustrated i could not equalize head down and it took me 3 times more time and effort to get to 10m than the others. Your Video just came at the right time, i hope i can fix this problem somehow!!! Thank you! The calm and relaxing feeling while freediving is really special for me, your Videos and knowledge already helped me a lot!! Some time i hope i manage to visit you for a course :)