Free diving?

Question

I love to snorkel and dive w/o tank! What is the best method to equalise my ears when going down?

Answer 1

Key -Never blow hard.  That is extremely dangerous, you can blow out your round window, and cause permanent hearing and balance damage.  Always blow lightly.  You can checkout the site below for a variety of methods.  If you want to have both hands free you can try using a nose plug, if it fits in your mask.

Answer 2

You can hold your nose and blow

make a yawning or swallowing motion while holding breath

tilt your head from side to side

move your jaw left and right

They are all good ways to equalize your ears and some work for some people and others for others. You just need to try them out to see which is best for you. There are even a lucky few who can just tighten their neck muscles and clear.

What ever you do you must clear early and often or you risk hurting your ears when they do finally clear.

Good Luck and have fun diving.