Scuba Source

How to Equalize and Control Air Pressure

When scuba diving, you should be aware of the airspaces in your body and the effect that pressure changes will have on them. When the air inside these airspaces does not match the pressure outside your body, you may experience some discomfort. However, there is a technique to minimize this, and it is called equalizing, where you make the air pressure inside the airspaces in your body match the pressure outside your body.

If you breath in and out continuously and descend and ascend at a responsible pace, you should not have to worry about equalizing your lungs. Your ears and sinuses are the areas where you are most likely to feel some discomfort, especially when descending. You can equalize these areas by pinching your nose and trying to blow air through your nose. This will cause air from your lungs to enter your ear and sinus airspaces and equalize the pressure. Another airspace to be conscious of is the space inside your mask. If it begins to tighten or pinch your face, simply blow some air out of your nose to equalize.

If you try these techniques and you still feel excessive discomfort, you should discontinue the dive. This may occur if you have a cold or similar illness where your nose and sinuses are stuffed up, in which case you should not dive. Forceful equalization can cause serious ear injuries.

When you are ascending, the air inside the airspaces in your body will begin to expand. It is very important that you breath in and out smoothly and continuously so the pressure in your lungs equalizes safely and naturally. The air in your ears and sinuses will escape on its own, with a popping sensation similar to landing in an airplane. If the air from these airspaces is not escaping quickly enough, simply stop ascending (descend a few feet if you need to) and wait a few minutes for the air to work its way out.

NOTE: The information on this page is for educational purposes only. You should receive proper training, such as a certification program, before attempting to dive.