Equalisation Tecniques
As a SCUBA diving instructor, one of the most important lessons I teach my students is the proper technique for equalising their ears and sinuses during a dive. The equalisation is the process of adjusting the pressure inside the ears and sinuses to match the surrounding water pressure, and it is essential for preventing painful and potentially dangerous barotrauma. There are several techniques that divers can use to equalise, and the most effective one will depend on the individual diver's anatomy and preferences. Here are some common techniques and my personal experience with them: The Valsalva Maneuver : This is probably the most well-known technique, and it involves pinching the nose and blowing gently through the nostrils to equalise the pressure in the ears. Some divers find this technique uncomfortable or ineffective, especially if they have nasal congestion or small nostrils. The Toynbee Maneuver : This technique involves pinching the nose and swallowing to equalise the pre...