How To Equalize Your Ears Whilst Freediving

(Amy Coulton, Photographed by Curtis Tredway)

As a freediver, equalizing your ears is an essential part of the diving process.

It's important to ensure that the pressure inside your ears remains the same as the pressure outside as you descend deeper into the water.

Failure to do so can result in ear injuries, discomfort, and hearing loss. Deep Sensations Freediving's SSI Level 1 Freediver Course is designed to develop your Frenzel technique and get you diving up to 20m. In this blog post, we will explain why equalizing your ears is necessary, and how to do the Frenzel equalization technique.

Why Equalize your Ears?

The main reason why you should equalize your ears while freediving is to prevent barotrauma.

This refers to injuries caused by the difference in pressure between the water and the air in your ears. Barotrauma can cause severe ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and even rupture of the eardrum.

It's important to equalize your ears regularly as you descend to prevent the pressure inside your ears from building up.

Another reason to equalize your ears while freediving is to ensure your safety. Failure to equalize your ears can cause vertigo.

By equalizing your ears, you will prevent pain and discomfort in your ears, ear barotrauma, vertigo, and ultimately be able to dive deeper.

So, how do you do it...?

The Frenzel Equalization Technique

There are various methods for equalizing your ears while freediving, but the most effective one is the Frenzel equalization technique. This technique involves using the muscles in your throat to push air into your middle ear, equalizing the pressure inside and outside of your ears.

Here's how to do the Frenzel equalization technique:

Step 1: Pinch Your Nose

Pinching your nose is the first step to equalizing your ears. This will prevent air from escaping from your nostrils, allowing you to build up pressure in your throat.

Step 2: Make a 'T' Sound

Whilst pinch your nose, make a 'T' sound.

The tongue position where you make the 'T' sound, is known as a T-Lock.

Step 3: Apply More Pressure To Your T-Lock.

Before releasing the 't' sound, let the pressure build up, as you say 'T', you will likely feel a 'whoosh' or popping sound in your ears. This means you have effectively Frenzel Equalized.

(T-Lock Graph, showing position of tongue)

Step 4: Release Your Nose

Finally, release your nose, and you should feel a slight pop in your ears as the pressure equalizes. Repeat this process as often as necessary, especially when you feel pressure building up in your ears.

Step 5: Repeat

Repeat this process as you dive down.

It's important to note that the Frenzel equalization technique requires practice and patience to master. It may take several attempts before you get the hang of it, but with practice, it will become second nature.

Step 6: PRACTICE!

Frenzel Equalization is a skill that requires lots of drilling and practice to make it as relaxed and smooth as possible.

We have put together an Equalization Training Program and you can download it for FREE.

Important Notes:

• Equalize every metre or as you feel the pressure building up

• Never force an equalization

• If you experience pain or discomfort, turn around and surface.

• Never dive alone.

• You can make the 'T' sound movement with your mouth closed.

• You do not need to equalize as you return to the surface.

• Frenzel Equalization is a skill and requires practice, download our FREE Equalization Training Program.

• It's always best to learn a skill with a trained professional, book a course today.

Equalizing your ears while freediving is an essential part of the diving process. It's important to ensure that the pressure inside your ears remains the same as the pressure outside as you descend deeper into the water. Failure to do so can result in ear injuries, discomfort, and hearing loss.