hands free equalization

[beero1000]

on land I can flex the muscles in my head until I hear crackling in my ears (I think thats equalization), but underwater I don't seem to be able to do it. Is this common?

are there any exercises (besides repeating the motion) to strengthen the muscles?

any other tips?

thanks,
biro

 

[ADR]

You can try it on land in the head down/inverted position and will probably find that unless you are one of the lucky few that you won't be able to get the clicking/opening sound anymore

 

[deep thinker]

Ive found this to work extremely well for me, it is more difficult to do it while going down. So I use my hands just as a backup while descending, so when I feel Im not well equilized I just go back to my hands on technique. When it does come in handy is when your hunting on the bottom and swimming at an angle...
How do you flex your muscles in your head, I found that by sticking my tongue against the back of my upper teeth and pushing my lower jaw forward and at the same time pinching closed the muscles in my nose I get a stronger effect. Also let a little air escape through your nose to equilize your mask.
I think I just described frenzel rofl

 

[capetownguy]

damn, heres me thinking im special! lol...
i often do it when i descend although every now and then only the one side clicks (usually my right side only) then i gotta use my hands...

 

[beero1000]

I'm not sure what I do. I get the feeling of muscles pulling down inside my head.

It definitely works better with my eyes closed really tightly, though. and it works better when I squeeze my lips together.

If I try I can do one side at a time, but its pretty difficult. Also, it usually works better on my left ear. sometimes they won't go at the exact same time.

I still need to try it head down. if it doesn't work, is there any way to work out the muscles until it does? or maybe make the eustachian tubes more flexible?

Thanks,
biro

 

[JPPLAY]

In this thread there is a link to a document to help you work on your hands free equalization: http://forums.deeperblue.net/general-freediving/72533-vto-excercises.html