When should you equalize your ears during descent?

Equalizing your ears frequently during descent is crucial to prevent discomfort and potential injury to your ears due to changes in pressure. As a diver descends, the water pressure increases, which can cause the pressure in your ears to become unbalanced. If this pressure imbalance is not addressed, it can result in barotrauma, leading to pain and possible damage to the tympanic membrane or other structures within the ear.

By equalizing frequently—ideally every few feet or meters of descent—you allow your body to adjust gradually to the increasing pressure. This typically involves techniques such as the Valsalva maneuver or the Toynbee maneuver, which help to open the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in the middle ear with the external water pressure.

Failing to equalize throughout the descent can lead to significant discomfort and could result in needing to ascend to relieve the pressure, which can interrupt the dive. Equalizing at the surface or only at depth would not adequately manage the pressure changes as you descend, making frequent equalization an essential practice for safe diving.