How to Equalize Ear Pressure: Easy Ways to Pop Your Ears

Wondering how to equalize ear pressure?
I bet you are.
If you’ve landed here, you’re probably dealing with a problem: your ears won’t pop. They itch. They’re bothering you. The pressure won’t go away. You swallow; you blow through your nose… nothing works.

Sound familiar?
Don’t worry. It’s more common than you think.

What’s happening is simple: there’s an imbalance between the pressure inside your middle ear and the pressure outside. And yes, you can fix it. Easily. Quickly. No stress.

We’ll break it down step by step, in plain language.
No medical jargon.
Just the real tricks divers use when they need to equalize ear pressure seriously.

You’ll find it all here: how to do the Valsalva maneuver, the Frenzel technique, ear tricks, pressure equalizing exercises, and how to unpop your ears without pain.

Our expert Víctor Córdoba, a master instructor, shares all the know-how.

Keep reading to discover the most effective techniques professional diver’s use.

1. What Does It Mean to Equalize Ear Pressure?

Before we dive in, let’s clear one thing up.
Knowing how to equalize ear pressure isn’t so much about mastering every trick but about finding the one that works for you.
It’s basic physiology.
They should teach it in school, honestly.
But saving your ears so you can keep enjoying diving isn’t part of the curriculum.
Let’s get to the point.
Inside your ears, there are air-filled spaces, very sensitive ones.
And of course, when pressure changes, whether you’re diving or flying, that air gets affected.
So do you.
If you do nothing, you start feeling that annoying “pop”… or worse, pain.
Sound familiar?
That’s where the famous pressure equalization comes in.
That means matching the pressure outside with the pressure inside your middle ear.
And what is equalizing? Basically, the same, but in action.
The key is to balance the outside with the inside.
That simple.
How do you do that?
By opening your Eustachian tubes.
That lets air into the middle ear and, bam! pressure balanced.
It’s the process of opening the tube so air can flow in and equalize.
Boom. Pressure equalized.
Pain gone. 

2. Why Equalizing Ear Pressure Is So Important for Divers

Whether you snorkel or dive,
If you go underwater with a mask and a wild desire to enjoy yourself…
You need to know how to equalize ear pressure.
This isn’t just a tip.
It’s a necessity.
A golden rule.
Like breathing, but for your ears.

Why is it so important to equalize your ears?
Because pressure doesn’t cut anyone any slack. Not you, not your eardrums.
And if you don’t know how to equalize ear pressure in time, you can ruin the entire dive.
And not just the dive…

We’re talking about staying on the boat watching others enjoy the dive.
And nobody wants that.

LUCKILY, EQUALIZING EAR PRESSURE IS EASY!

But if you don’t do it properly, you might experience:

• Constant pressure.
• Pain that can become quite intense.
• Vertigo and some nausea.
• And if you don’t ascend, things can get serious—like a barotrauma.

All because you didn’t learn how to equalize ear pressure the right way from the beginning. And it’s so simple!
This isn’t about luck.
It’s about technique. About knowledge. About taking care of yourself.

And what if you dive with an instructor and still struggle?
Then it’s time to check your ear equalizing technique.
Maybe you’re equalizing too late.
Or forcing the air.
Or maybe you just need a visit to your ENT doctor.
We can help you with the first two.

3. How to Equalize Ear Pressure Step by Step

Now that you know what how to equalize ear pressure means, let’s get to the point.
To the practical stuff.
What you do when you feel that pressure in your ears and it just won’t go away.

Because yes, there are tricks. Techniques. Maneuvers. Call them whatever you want.
And they work.
Let’s check the most effective ones. The ones real diver’s use. The ones we teach on every dive. The ones that save eardrums.
Get ready, because this is pure gold.

Valsalva Maneuver

The most famous one. The one everyone tries.
How to do the Valsalva maneuver? Very simple:
• Close your mouth.
• Pinch your nose.
• Blow gently, as if you want to push air out… but don’t let it escape through your nose.

The air travels up, your Eustachian tubes open, and bam!
Pressure equalized.

But be careful, blow too hard and you could hurt your ear.
Always do it gently.
This technique is key when learning how to equalize ear pressure, but it’s not the only one.

Toynbee Maneuver

The candy maneuver. Literally.
• Close your mouth.
• Pinch your nose.
• Swallow.

That simple.
Works best when you’re relaxed. And if you have a candy, chewing it helps.
Perfect for flights or slow descents underwater.
One of the best ways to equalize ear pressure without forcing it.

Frenzel Maneuver

Now we’re in expert mode.
The Frenzel technique is popular among technical divers and freedivers.
The best part? You don’t need to push air from your lungs. You only use your tongue and throat.
• Close your mouth.
• Pinch your nose.
• Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth while making an internal “click” sound, like trying to say the letter “K.”

It takes practice, yes. But once you master it, it’s magic.
Especially useful to learn how to equalize your ears when other methods fail.

Lowry’s Maneuver

A mix between Valsalva and Toynbee.
• Close your mouth.
• Pinch your nose.
• Blow gently while swallowing.

Yes, at the same time.
It may feel weird, but it helps a lot if you’re congested or struggling to remove pressure from your ears.

Edmonds’ Maneuver

This technique involves jaw movement. Perfect if your Eustachian tubes are stubborn.
• Move your jaw forward.
• Pinch your nose.
• Blow gently while swallowing.

Looks like it does nothing… until it does.
Highly recommended for people who can’t pop their ears or have sensitive ears.

Which one should you use?

The one that works for you.
Plain and simple.

Some people just swallow and that’s enough.
Others need to combine maneuvers.
And some have their own personal ear trick.

The key is not to give up.
And above all, don’t force it.

Because how to equalize ear pressure is not about pushing hard.
It’s about releasing.

Want to know more? Struggling to equalize every time you dive?
You’re not alone.
Keep reading, because next I’ll tell you what to do if you can’t unpop your ears even with these techniques.

4. What to Do If You Can’t Pop Your Ears

You’ve tried everything.
You blow, swallow, yawn, even make weird faces that would scare anyone…
And nothing.
Your ears still feel the same.
Clogged. Pressured.
Uncomfortable as hell.
How to equalize ear pressure when nothing seems to work?
How to equalize ear pressure without getting frustrated?
I get it.
But hold on.
Because rushing is your worst enemy here.

Warning signs: when to stop
If while trying to equalize ear pressure you notice:
• Sharp pain
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Loud ringing in your ear
• Or nothing changes after several tries…
Stop.
Seriously.
Don’t keep forcing it.
You could hurt yourself.
It’s not that you’re doing it wrong.
It’s not that it’s not working.
Sometimes your body just says: “Not today.”
And you have to listen.

5. Tips to Equalize Easier (Even with Sensitive Ears)

Struggling?
Feel like your ears are more delicate than your ex’s ego?
No worries.
There are tricks that’ll make it way easier.

Just follow these tips. Step by step. Take it slow.
And yes. They work even if your ears are as sensitive as a hungry toddler’s.

Before Diving: Warm Up

First things first.
Don’t get in the water if you have a cold or allergies.
We’ll talk more about that in another article, but trust me: it’s a recipe for disaster. You can find out more about this in the article. Diving With a Cold, Is It Possible?

Equalize your ears before you descend.
Yes, before. Even while you’re still at the surface.
It’s like warming up before a run.
Your body will thank you.
Your ears will thank you more.

And here comes a grandma trick (well, more like an instructor’s):

Chew gum.
Really? Really.
Chewing moves the muscles that open your Eustachian tubes.
It’s like giving them a workout.
So when you need to equalize ear pressure…
Everything flows smoothly.
Oh, and if you can:

Say no to tobacco. Say no to irritants.
Because if your mucous membranes get inflamed, they fill up with mucus and guess what blocks your ears? Exactly.

Keeping your sinuses clear helps too.
A nasal rinse with saline spray is your best friend.
Not glamorous. But it works.

During the Dive

Don’t Wait for Pain
Here’s the good stuff. What really makes a difference.
Equalize before you feel pressure.
Don’t wait. Don’t be brave. Be smart.

Descend slowly.
If something hurts, stop.

Can’t equalize? Ascend a bit. Tell your buddy. You’re not alone down there and safety comes first.
Another simple trick:

Tilt your chin up.
Lifting your head helps open the passages. That way, equalizing goes like butter.

Don’t forget to clear your mask.
Yeah, that water sneaking in your nose. If you leave it there, it irritates.
And again: mucous membranes. Inflammation. Trouble.

Wearing a hood? Perfect. But pick one that doesn’t squeeze your head like a brand-new cap.
Keep it loose. Let the water in. Leave some space. Don’t add extra pressure.

6. FAQs about How to Equalize Ear Pressure

Why do I feel pressure in my ears, and why do I need to equalize them?
Pressure builds up when your Eustachian tube gets blocked. This can happen because of altitude changes, colds, or allergies. Equalizing your ear pressure prevents pain or, worse, barotrauma, which can hurt, make you dizzy, and even damage your eardrum.

What is the Valsalva maneuver, and how do I do it?
It’s simple:

• Close your mouth.
• Pinch your nose shut.
• Blow gently, like you’re trying to inflate a balloon, but don’t blow too hard.
  If you hear a small “pop,” bingo! Your Eustachian tube opened and you successfully equalized.

Can I equalize if I have a cold?
Better not to dive.
If you’re not diving, use a nasal spray or saline solution to clear your nose.

What if I can’t equalize the pressure?
That’s bad news.
Severe pain, dizziness, ear fullness, or hearing loss can mean barotrauma, something you definitely want to avoid. It can cause bleeding or even a ruptured eardrum.

Is equalizing while diving the same as on a plane?
No.
When diving, pressure changes quickly, and you need to equalize every few meters. That’s why we use repeated techniques like Valsalva or Frenzel.
On a plane, pressure changes slowly, mostly during takeoff and landing.

When should I worry and see a doctor?
If pain doesn’t go away, if you have severe dizziness, or if blood or fluid comes out of your ear.
Also, if you lose hearing and it doesn’t improve within hours.
If any of these happen, see a doctor.

How often should I equalize my ears while diving?
With every small descent.
Don’t wait to feel discomfort.
Do it early, gently, and consistently.

Now you know.
How to equalize ear pressure is no mystery.
It’s a skill you can master.
Want to practice it in the Caribbean?
Write to us.
We’ll be waiting for you.