## How to Clear Your Ears While Scuba Diving
When you descend underwater, the pressure of the water increases on your eardrums. This can cause discomfort or pain, and can even lead to ear damage if not equalized. To prevent this, you need to clear your ears regularly as you descend. There are two main methods for clearing your ears: the Valsalva maneuver and the Toynbee maneuver.
The Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is the most common way to clear your ears while scuba diving. To perform the Valsalva maneuver, pinch your nose closed and blow gently into your nose. This will force air into your Eustachian tubes, which are the canals that connect your middle ears to your throat. The air will push open the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears.
The Toynbee Maneuver
The Toynbee maneuver is another effective way to clear your ears while scuba diving. To perform the Toynbee maneuver, swallow while pinching your nose closed. This will also force air into your Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears.
Which Maneuver Should I Use?
Either the Valsalva maneuver or the Toynbee maneuver can be used to clear your ears while scuba diving. Some people find one maneuver to be more effective than the other, so experiment to see which one works best for you.
When Should I Clear My Ears?
It is important to clear your ears regularly as you descend underwater. This will help to prevent discomfort or pain, and can also help to prevent ear damage. As a general rule, you should clear your ears every 5-10 feet of descent.
How to Avoid Ear Pain While Scuba Diving
In addition to clearing your ears regularly, there are a few other things you can do to avoid ear pain while scuba diving:
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make your Eustachian tubes more prone to congestion, which can make it more difficult to clear your ears.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before diving. Caffeine and alcohol can both dehydrate you, which can lead to ear pain.
Use earplugs. Earplugs can help to protect your ears from the pressure of the water.
Descend slowly. Descending slowly will give your Eustachian tubes more time to adjust to the pressure, which can help to prevent ear pain.
What to Do If You Have Ear Pain While Scuba Diving
If you experience ear pain while scuba diving, it is important to stop your descent and ascend slowly. Once you have reached the surface, you can try to clear your ears using the Valsalva maneuver or the Toynbee maneuver. If you are unable to clear your ears, you should see a doctor.
## Conclusion
Clearing your ears is an important part of scuba diving. By following these tips, you can help to avoid ear pain and discomfort, and can also help to prevent ear damage.