Equalization question

[blueface]

I must pinch my nose to equalize. I was wondering if it is possible to learn to eq hands free. If not then is there equipment (special mask) or other gear that can assist. I've seen different types of masks wth air tubes that the diver puts in the mouth. Where can I obtain such a mask?

Thank you!

Skip Perry

 

[Tony Babowicz]

There are several threads on DB that give good insight to hands free equalisation.
As far as equipment goes, a noseclip will allow you to equalise hands free. You can use fluid goggles or a pipe mask, or no goggles at all.
Most people make their own fluid goggles as well as pipe masks. I have never seen a pipe mask for sale. A pair of aqua seal "seal goggles" with a small aquarium air tube would be all you need.

 

[blueface]

There are several threads on DB that give good insight to hands free equalisation.
As far as equipment goes, a noseclip will allow you to equalise hands free. You can use fluid goggles or a pipe mask, or no goggles at all.
Most people make their own fluid goggles as well as pipe masks. I have never seen a pipe mask for sale. A pair of aqua seal "seal goggles" with a small aquarium air tube would be all you need.

Tony, thanks for the response. I gather from reading your response that hands free equalizing is a gift and that there is no way to (train) to gain this ability. Is it because eustacion tube size or some muscular control or lack of it? Just curious.

Thank you!

Skip Perry

 

[seguyette]

Read this one:
http://forums.deeperblue.com/equalisation/78528-btv-hands-free-dry-tips-techniques-please.html
Or just do a quick search for "Frenzel" or hands free equalizing.
There are many exercises to help train yourself to do the techniques better. Good luck

 

[trux]

Or just do a quick search for "Frenzel" or hands free equalizing.

Frenzel is not really handsfree (unless you use a noseclip), but it is true that in threads about Frenzel you will usually find more info on equalizing. When looking for handsfree methods, rather look up the expressions BTV, VTO, or simply handsfree.

 

[Tony Babowicz]

Tony, thanks for the response. I gather from reading your response that hands free equalizing is a gift and that there is no way to (train) to gain this ability. Is it because eustacion tube size or some muscular control or lack of it? Just curious.

Thank you!

Skip Perry

I think there are a lot of divers who would be able to equalize hands free but just don't know how. There are probably a certain percentage that will never be able to regardless of technique. I, for instance, never had to pinch my nose while scuba diving or freediving and as I got older it became more difficult. I no longer have the ability to eqalise hands free.

 

[blueface]

Thank you Tony. I have been trying to figure it out but I think I might be one of those who cannot. I should probably just accept it and move on. I've never even come close to getting my ears to crack.

Skip

 

[Bill]

Before you give up on it Skip. Try a gentle reduced pressure in the inner ear. The easiest way to get there is to close your mouth, hold your nose and swallow. If it works you will feel your eardrums pull in slightly and a change in hearing. Now swallow, yawn, wiggle your jaw, wiggle your ears, turn your head or anything that reduces the feeling in your ear or changes the hearing and when you find something that works, repeat it, many, many times.

 

[blueface]

Before you give up on it Skip. Try a gentle reduced pressure in the inner ear. The easiest way to get there is to close your mouth, hold your nose and swallow. If it works you will feel your eardrums pull in slightly and a change in hearing. Now swallow, yawn, wiggle your jaw, wiggle your ears, turn your head or anything that reduces the feeling in your ear or changes the hearing and when you find something that works, repeat it, many, many times.

Thank you Bill, I appreciate the encouraging words. I caught myself doing just that in church! I will continue my quest to equalize hands free. When I did the exercise you described I did feel a change in my ears! This gives me hope.

I'll keep trying and post the results.

Skip Perry

 

[Judge]

I have always been able to clear hands free. Some years ago I described what I did and how it felt to my son and he worked at it regulary for a month and was then able clears hands free deeper than me. We have both since helped others learn. However not everyone seems to be able to do it. I am guessing there is difference in the tubes going to the ears.

There is a movement in the back of my throat, sort of in behind the ears, it is like I flex a muscle and when I am out of the water it makes my ears click. This movement when done in the water equalizes my ears. It must be done immediately I leave the surface. There is no waiting for pressure to build. If pressure builds up... the ears won't clear. I make this movement about 2 times a metre as I descend. This method does not depend on building pressure against the mask or anything like that.

The people whom my son and I have coached reported that it took some working with it to get it happening. But once they got it clearing once they recognised the action and as they worked at it, they became better and better.

At about 38 metres I have to start using my fingers but I think if I keep off the red wine and dairy products I could develop it better. However, my son Antony has cleared his ears past 50m using this method.

Judge

 

[blueface]

Thanks for all the responses. I have been trying and I will continue to. Maybe one day it will happen.

Skip Perry

 

[octopus]

I can equalise hands free down to 42m (no nose clip).
Unfortunately, I could not precisely describe how I do it.
I'll pay attention on my next training and try to figure it out.

What I can tell you is that it gets better with repetition. Now I do not even think about equalising when I spearfish or take photos.

Another good side is that I noticed I am more efficient in equalising when I do not pinch my nose. I guess I might be loosing more air through the mask when I pinch my nose.

 

[blueface]

You are lucky. I have lots of friends that do it and take it for granted. I have been practicing exercises that were described to me and it's early yet but Im hopeful.

Skip Perry

 

[tlong]

I've been wondering the same thing. I recently read up on a mask called the ProEar 2000...It's a dive mask that also has ear cups. The cups keep your ears dry, and there are tubes going from the cups to the nose socket, and to equalize...(supposedly) you just blow gently through your nose, and equalizes the pressure in the cups....Haven't tried it personally, but have read good reviews about it.

 

[azapa]

sorry but those ear cup thingies are no use. you need to push air into the inner ear, not the outer. never use earplugs, cups, cotton wool or anything. If you use a full suit with hood punch small holes to allow water (pressure) into the outer ear.