Equalizing Difficulties after First Dives

[Fnilsson91]

Hi,

I am new to free diving and I experiencing some equalizing problems which I would very much appreciate if someone could explain the reasons for.

I am always able to equalize during my first 2-4 dives (going down about 5-6 meter) , but then it becomes much more difficult. It is usually my right ear which wont pop.

I get a feeling of water within my ear (but I know water in ear should not affect the equalizing process) and when trying to equalize it I get a more crunchy sound instead of a clean blowing one. Ths usally lasts until the next day, or even longer.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[Simos]

It's quite normal, with practice it'll get better. Most people have a limit on how long they can be diving and equalising for - if you are trained this would be hours but in the beginning it could be a few dives. The muscles that open the e-tubes get tired too like all muscles.

In your case, it also sounds like you might not have fully equalised your ears in the first few dives, which might have caused some fluid to be released in your inner ear. Other reasons might be because you start getting cold after a bit etc..

It's also extremely common for one ear (usually the right!) to give you more difficulties than the other.

Make sure you don't blow hard and never try to force equalisation or go deeper if you haven't equalised. Ideally if you can take a freediving course or teach yourself to use the Frenzel method to equalise instead of the Valsava you are probably using...

 

[Fnilsson91]

Ok. It all makes sense.

I am taking FD course next week, Ill push to learn the Frenzel Technique.

Thanks for your reply!