Equalise Before It Hurts

For divers, the first few metres underwater can be the most important when it comes to protecting the ears.

Water is about 800 times denser than air, meaning pressure increases quickly as a diver descends, particularly near the surface, according to certified diving and first aid instructor Abdulaziz Al Hamad.

Behind the eardrum is the middle ear, an air-filled space connected to the back of the nose and throat through the Eustachian tube. As pressure increases during descent, the air inside the middle ear is compressed.

This creates a pressure imbalance, pushing the eardrum inward and causing a blocked or uncomfortable feeling. If the diver continues descending without equalising, the pressure can develop into pain.

Equalising allows air to move through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear, balancing the pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

Al Hamad advises divers to begin equalising from the start of the descent and repeat it regularly rather than waiting for pain. If equalisation does not work, divers should stop descending, rise slightly and try again gently without forcing it.

During ascent, the process reverses. As surrounding pressure decreases, the air in the middle ear expands and normally escapes naturally through the Eustachian tube towards the nose and throat.

That is why divers generally do not need to equalise while ascending. A slight clicking sensation may be felt as pressure balances.

If pain or blockage develops during ascent, Al Hamad advises stopping or descending slightly until the pressure settles before continuing the ascent slowly.