Freediving is a breathtaking sport that allows you to explore the underwater world in a unique and intimate way. However, one of the most common challenges faced by freedivers, especially beginners and also some scuba divers, is the difficulty in equalizing the pressure in their ears. Equalization is crucial for a safe and comfortable descent, but some people struggle with this process. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why some people can't equalize when freediving and offer tips to overcome this challenge.
Understanding Equalization
Equalization is the process of balancing the pressure in your middle ear with the external water pressure as you descend. This is typically done by forcing air into the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat. The most common techniques include the Valsalva maneuver (pinching the nose and blowing air from lungs through an expiratory effort) and the Frenzel maneuver (using the tongue to push air into the Eustachian tubes). Hands-free equalization AKA BTV and VTO, involve maintaining the Eustachian tubes open and continuously pressurized, allowing the eardrum to stay in a neutral position. This means you can equalize without having to pinch your nose as you descend while freediving.
Why Equalization Can Be Difficult
Improper Technique:
Inadequate Practice:Â Equalization techniques require practice and proper execution. People often struggle because they haven't been taught the correct way on how to do frenzel equalization efficiently and safely.
Anatomical Differences:
Narrow Eustachian Tubes:Â Some individuals naturally have narrower Eustachian tubes, making it more difficult for air to pass through and equalize the pressure.
Blockages:Â Congestion due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections can block the Eustachian tubes, preventing proper equalization.
Psychological Factors:
Anxiety and Tension:Â Anxiety and tension can cause muscle tightness, making it harder to perform equalization techniques effectively.
Being cold:Â Being cold can impact the ability to relax and equalize properly.
The Role of Pressure and Air Flow
When you dive headfirst, the dynamics of pressure and air flow change significantly. As you descend, the external water pressure increases rapidly, compressing the air spaces in your body, including the air in your mask, sinuses, and middle ear. Here’s how the pressure affects equalization:
Increased Pressure:Â As you go deeper, the pressure increases, making it more challenging to equalize. The deeper you go without equalizing, the harder it becomes because the pressure differential between the external environment and the middle ear increases. It's important that if you feel any pain, you stop and come back to the surface.
Air Flow Changes:Â When you're upside down, the orientation affects the air flow within your body. Gravity causes the air to move differently, and the increased pressure in your oropharynx can make it harder for air to travel up the Eustachian tubes. This can lead to difficulty in achieving the frenzel technique.
Mask Squeeze: Diving headfirst can also lead to mask squeeze if you don’t equalize the air pressure in your mask. This adds another layer of discomfort and can distract from focusing on equalizing the ears.
Students doing equalization training online, using an EQ tool/Otovent.
Tips to Improve Equalization
Do an equalisation course: By finding the right freediving equalization instructor and course, they'll be able to assist you with what issue you have with equalizing is and point you in the right direction to which course you should take. CLICK ON LINK FOR EQ COURSE: https://www.freedivingseychelles.com/equalisation
Practice on Land/Dry:Â Consistent practice equalization techniques and exercises. This helps build muscle memory and makes the process more automatic underwater.
Using an EQ tool/Otovent: By using an EQ tool/Otovent, this will help simulate as if you are equalising with your head down first. Of course, you need to be doing the correct exercises in order for this to help and make sense. So ask your equalisation instructor for which exercises you should be doing.
Stay Hydrated:Â Dehydration can thicken mucus and make it harder to equalize. Drink plenty of water before your dive.
Clear Your Airways:Â Ensure your sinuses and nasal passages are clear before diving. Use a saline spray or decongestant if necessary, but avoid diving if you have a severe cold or sinus infection.
Equalize Early and Often: Start equalizing before you even feel pressure and continue doing so frequently throughout your descent. Don’t wait until you feel discomfort.
Relax and Descend Slowly:Â Stay calm and relaxed. A slow, controlled descent gives you more time to equalize and reduces the risk of pressure-related issues.
Proper Head Position:Â Keep your head in a neutral position, and if necessary, tilt your head slightly back to help open the Eustachian tubes.
Comfort in equipment:Â Make sure that the equipment that you are using is comfortable, such as your mask not being too tight, snorkel staying out of the mouth and wetsuit not being too tight either.
A review from one of our students who finished off the start equalisation course with us.
Conclusion
Equalizing while freediving can be a challenging aspect of the sport, but with practice and proper technique, most divers can overcome these difficulties. Understanding the role of pressure and air flow, especially when diving headfirst, is crucial. By following these tips and being patient with yourself, you can improve your equalization skills and enjoy the incredible underwater world of freediving without discomfort. If you have trouble equalising, contact us for a free 20 minute video equailsation check and also have a look at our equalisation courses we offer: https://www.freedivingseychelles.com/equalisation
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