How to Equalize When Scuba Diving: 5 Proven Tips from a Dive Instructor
By Cassie – PADI MSDT & SSI OWSI
Diving since 2016 | Teaching since 2019 in Komodo, Raja Ampat, Gili Islands & the Maldives
Equalising your ears is one of the most essential — and often most frustrating — parts of scuba diving. Even the most experienced divers occasionally struggle with it. As a dive instructor who’s taught hundreds of students across Asia (and someone with tiny Eustachian tubes myself), I’ve experienced the challenge firsthand.
Over the years, I’ve learned that equalisation isn’t just about technique — it’s about preparation, relaxation, and awareness of your own body. Here are five proven equalisation tips that can make a world of difference underwater.
💡 Note: This is a simplified version of my full “Equalisation Master Guide,” which includes advanced drills, anatomical visuals, and pre-dive exercises. You can grab it at the end of this article.
1. Avoid Inflammation Before You Dive
Equalisation begins before you even reach the dive site.
Foods like dairy, alcohol, refined sugar, and processed meals can increase mucus production and inflammation — making your Eustachian tubes swell and block airflow. For divers prone to ear issues, eliminating dairy for two weeks before your trip can dramatically improve results.
🧠 Scientific note: Studies show inflammation in the upper respiratory tract increases barotrauma risk (source: Divers Alert Network).
If you can’t give everything up, just skip the cheese and ice cream — your ears will thank you.
2. Protect Your Ears From Cold Air and AC
Sleeping or relaxing with a fan or air conditioner blowing directly on your head might feel great after a hot dive day, but it can quickly cause sinus irritation and swelling.
If you’ve ever had one ear that equalises more slowly than the other, this could be why.
Try turning your pillow or sleeping position away from airflow to give your sinuses time to rest and recover.
3. Loosen Your Jaw and Neck Muscles
A tight jaw can literally block your Eustachian tubes.
Before every dive, I do a simple masseter massage (the large jaw muscle just in front of your ears) and a few gentle neck rolls. You can also mimic chewing gum or yawning to relax the muscles that help regulate ear pressure.
Small habit — big difference.
4. Try the “Wiggle-Swallow” Method (My Secret Technique)
If the traditional Valsalva manoeuvre doesn’t work for you, try this variation that’s saved countless dives for my students.
When descending:
- Use one hand to hold your regulator gently.
- Wiggle your jaw side-to-side.
- Swallow while tilting your head ear-to-shoulder — alternating sides.
This motion opens the side of your neck and stretches the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to pass more easily. It also helps prevent reverse squeeze when ascending.
This trick alone has helped divers who thought they’d never equalise comfortably again.
5. Equalise Early, Equalise Often
Don’t wait until your ears hurt. Start clearing them before your descent — even before your giant stride.
As you descend, equalise gently with every breath. It keeps the pressure differences small and easier to manage.
If one ear blocks, never force it. Ascend slightly, relax, and try again. The key is calm breathing and patience. Equalisation is about finesse, not force.
When to Stop & Seek Help
If equalising becomes painful or impossible, stop your descent immediately. Continuing can risk eardrum damage or barotrauma. Persistent issues may indicate sinus inflammation, allergies, or earwax buildup — all worth checking with an ENT or dive physician.
🩺 See: DAN Europe – Ear and Sinus Barotrauma.
Final Thoughts from an Instructor
As instructors, we see ear issues far more often than you’d think — from beginners to divemasters. The truth? Most cases aren’t caused by “bad ears,” but by stress, poor prep, and rushing descents.
Relaxation and patience solve more equalisation issues than any other technique.
Take your time, stay calm, and remember: the ocean isn’t going anywhere.
Want to Go Deeper?
Download my Full Equalisation Master Guide for Divers for in-depth:
- Pre-dive warm-up routines
- Sinus-drainage and breathing exercises
- Nutrition & hydration advice
- Post-dive recovery care
👉 Get the Guide + Free Newsletter Signup
And if you prefer to watch and learn, check out our YouTube channel Aaron & Cassie for tutorials, dive destination guides, and real underwater tips filmed across Asia.
🔗 External Resources
- Divers Alert Network (DAN): Ear and Sinus Barotrauma
- PADI: How to Equalize Your Ears When Diving
✍️ About the Author
Cassie Foley – PADI MSDT & SSI OWSI
Cassie is a professional dive instructor and underwater filmmaker with over eight years of experience diving across Southeast Asia, including Komodo, Raja Ampat, the Gili Islands, and the Maldives. Teaching since 2019, she specialises in helping students overcome equalisation challenges, ear issues, and diving-related confidence barriers.
Together with her partner Aaron, Cassie runs Aaron & Cassie, a YouTube channel and blog dedicated to cinematic dive travel and real-world scuba advice for divers of all levels.
