What to do when you feel excessive ear pressure while descending in Open Water Diver training.

What should you do if you feel excessive pressure in your ears while descending?

• A. Ignore it and continue descending
• B. Stop descent, ascend slightly, and equalize your ears
• C. Force your descent to pressure equalize
• D. Only descend after a dive buddy checks your ears

Answer: (B)

Feeling excessive pressure in your ears while descending is a common experience, and it indicates that your ears need to equalize to the changing pressure as you go deeper underwater. Stopping the descent and ascending slightly allows for a more controlled approach to equalization, which is crucial for preventing discomfort and potential injury. Equalizing your ears helps to balance the pressure inside your middle ear with the water pressure outside. This is typically done by methods such as swallowing, yawning, or using the Valsalva maneuver. If you ignore the pressure and continue to descend, you risk developing barotrauma, which can lead to pain, injury, or even more severe complications. Ascending slightly creates a slight reduction in pressure, making it easier for you to equalize your ears effectively before continuing your descent. This practice is essential for maintaining your safety and comfort while diving.

Outline (skeleton)

• Hook: ear pressure is a common snag during descent, but it’s a safety signal, not a nuisance.

• Why it happens: a quick, friendly look at the ear’s air path and how pressure changes.

• The correct move (B): stop descent, ascend a bit, then equalize. Why this matters and what it prevents.

• Equalization methods: swallowing, yawning, Valsalva, Toynbee—how and when to use them, with safety notes.

• Practical steps for your descent: pace, pre-dive checks, buddy awareness, staying calm.

• If equalization won’t cooperate: what to do, when to abort, and why medical advice matters.

• Quick tips and mindset: prevention, environment, and common sense.

• Close: safety first, practice at surface, and work with your instructor to build confidence.

Article: Ear pressure during descent? Here’s the safe, smart move you’ll thank yourself for

Let me explain something simple yet powerful: the moment you feel excessive pressure in your ears as you go deeper, your body is clocking a change in ambient pressure faster than your ears can keep up. It’s not a signal to power through or pretend nothing’s happening. It’s your cue to slow down, breathe, and manage the change with care. In practical terms, the right move isn’t dramatic—it’s deliberate and safe.

Why this happens (in plain terms)

When you descend, the water around you gets denser, and the air inside your middle ear needs to match that pressure. The connection that lets air flow between your throat and middle ear is the Eustachian tube. If that tube can’t open easily, pressure builds up and you feel it as a push, a squeeze, or even pain. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away; it often makes things worse. That’s where the common-sense approach shines: pause, equalize, then continue.

The correct approach: Stop descent, ascend slightly, and equalize

If you sense “too much” pressure, stop moving downward. Sit up a touch, or gently ease upward a little. This small lift reduces the ambient pressure a tad and buys you time to bring the pressure in your middle ear into balance. Once you’ve managed to equalize, you can descend again more comfortably. This is how you protect your ears from barotrauma—injury caused by pressure differences.

What about the other options? They’re tempting but risky:

• Ignore it and continue descending: nope. You’re inviting pain, possible perforation, and a rough outing.

• Force your descent to pressure equalize: not how the human body works. Forcing it can cause injury.

• Only descend after a dive buddy checks your ears: a good habit for certain checks, but it’s not a substitute for your own equalization. You’re responsible for your safety.

Equalization techniques you can use

You’ve got several tools in your toolbox. Start with the gentlest, and choose the one that works for you at that moment.

• Swallowing: a simple, often effective action that nudges the Eustachian tube open. Do it a little more frequently as you descend, and don’t wait for pain to start.

• Yawning: a big, natural movement that can open the tube. If you can’t yawn on demand, think about a bigger mouthful of air down there—sometimes that does the trick.

• Toynbee maneuver: pinch your nose gently and swallow. It’s a classic, used by many divers with success.

• Valsalva maneuver (the classic “pinch-nose-and-blow”): only do this if you’re comfortable and not congested. It creates a deliberate pressure change to push air through the Eustachian tube. If you feel any pain, stop and rest; don’t force it.

• What not to overdo: don’t puff too hard, don’t strain, and don’t perform aggressive, repeated attempts if you’re not making progress. Patience is part of safety.

Practical steps to take during descent

• Slow your descent rate. Think “inch by inch.” A slower pace gives your ears a better chance to keep up.

• Pre-dive checks matter: ensure you’re not diving with nasal congestion or a cold. Congestion makes equalization harder and risks injury.

• Use small gains, not big drops. If you’re uncomfortable, pause your down-slope, breathe, and try again.

• Stay relaxed. Tension makes your throat close up a bit, which can hinder equalization. A calm mind helps the body work with you.

• Use a consistent rhythm. Breath, swallow, relax, repeat. Let the motion feel almost natural, not forced.

• Buddy awareness matters, but this is your responsibility. Your buddy can offer support, but you’re the one steering the process, especially around ears.

What to do if you can’t equalize

If you can’t get comfortable equalizing after trying the gentle techniques, it’s time to adjust plan. Gradually ascend to a shallower depth and reattempt. If the pressure won’t ease, or if you experience persistent pain, stop the descent entirely and pause at a safer depth. You might reattempt later or switch to a longer, slower ascent, but safety comes first. If pain persists across attempts, it’s wise to seek a medical evaluation before your next submerged outing.

A quick reality check about ear safety

Barotrauma isn’t something to gamble with. A ruptured eardrum is rare but real, and it can spoil days of underwater exploration. Even without a rupture, repeated pressure-related irritation can lead to longer-term sensitivity and discomfort. Treat every twinge as a signal to pause, reflect, and adjust.

A few practical tips you can carry into any shallow or deeper adventure

• Hydration helps keep mucous membranes pliable, which can ease equalization. Drink enough water before you go in, not right after you’re in the water.

• If you’ve got nasal passages that feel clogged, consider postponing or choosing a day with clearer airways. Some divers use a saline spray beforehand to reduce congestion.

• Comfort gear matters. A well-fitted mask that doesn’t force you to breathe through the mouth can help with general pressure management. Also, a regulator that breathes smoothly reduces the stress you might feel when descending.

• Keep a soft, honest dialogue with your instructor or guide. They’re there to help you recognize your limits and learn how to handle tricky moments safely.

Relatable digression: the small pleasures of a calm descent

There’s something almost meditative about a descent where you’re in tune with your body. You can hear your own breath, feel the water press on your suit, and notice the world soften as you go deeper. When you manage equalization smoothly, that moment becomes less about fear and more about curiosity—the way light shifts, the way a school of fish glides by, the quiet that sits just beyond the hiss of bubbles. It’s not magical, just physics and practice coming together.

A quick recap in plain language

• If you feel excessive ear pressure while descending, stop your downward movement, ascend slightly, and then attempt to equalize.

• Use gentle methods first: swallow, yawn, or a safe (comfortable) Valsalva or Toynbee technique.

• If you can’t equalize after several tries, pause at a shallower depth and reattempt or reconsider the descent.

• Keep things calm, pace your descent, and talk with your instructor if you’re unsure. Your ears will thank you.

Final thought: safety is the first rule

Ear health isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. Master the habit of pausing, breathing, and equalizing. It’s a small set of actions that pays big dividends in comfort and safety. And here’s the beauty of it: once you nail equalization, you’ll notice how much more you enjoy each moment below the surface—the colors, the textures, the little interactions with the underwater world. So next time you’re near that first gentle drop, remember: stop, adjust, equalize, then descend with confidence.

If you’d like, I can tailor tips to your equipment setup or walk through specific equalization methods step by step, so you feel ready to handle those moments with ease.