Problems equalizing my ears?

[PalatkaBoy]

" Adam's apple " technique ??


please elaborate

Although it may not be what the previous poster means, moving your adams apple down as if you are going to hit a low note while singing will open the tubes up. Similar to starting to yawn, I use this method to clear. You never have to touch your nose.

 

[CardShark]

" Adam's apple " technique ??


please elaborate

For lack of a better term....

did you, as a kid, ever make your Adam's apple move up & down ? This is somewhat like swallowing, except that the valves used in swallowing are not engaged.
Press the front ~ 1/4 of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, pinch your nose & pressurize, and make your Adam's apple move upward. After practicing this a few times, you'll be surprised at how little pressure is needed to make this work.
Watching the above-mentioned video was an excellent investment. We spend many hours learning all sorts of scuba skills ; this video is ~ one hour. One hour to learn skills that all scuba divers ( incl. your present / future buddies / students ) must have.

 

[Aric]

Is holding your nose and swallowing a good way to equalize? I can sit here right now and do that and my ears will "pop". Something I couldnt do while I was snorkeling that day. Should I do this before I even go underwater?

 

[tzeilstra]

I've found that at the beginning of the day, I have no problem equalizing my ears. However, as I ascend and descend throughout the day, it becomes more difficult. During my last descent this past weekend, my left ear just would not equalize. I "fought through" the pain anyway and my ear is still plugged and hurting a bit today (2 days later). Probably wasn't my smartest move ever...

 

[twinkles]

In the original post, you mentioned that you were snorkling. so I assume that you were in a head down position. I find it is easier to egualize, at least at first in a head up position. I think you will find you have less problems with scuba because it is easier to descend in a head up position.