What Is Equalisation Snorkeling?

Equalisation snorkeling is a technique used to equalise air pressure in the ears and sinuses when diving below the surface of the water. It can be used both for recreational and technical diving, and is important for reducing the risk of ear barotrauma, which can cause pain and long-term hearing damage. Equalisation snorkeling is a simple process that takes only a few seconds to complete, but it’s essential to keep your ears safe while diving.

How Does Equalisation Snorkeling Work?

The air pressure in the atmosphere changes as you dive deeper underwater. When this happens, it can cause discomfort in your ears or sinuses due to the unequal air pressure on either side of your eardrum. To equalise this pressure, you need to use a process called equalisation snorkeling. This involves gently blowing out of your nose while gently pinching the nostrils closed.

This allows air to escape from your sinuses into the middle ear space, which helps equalise the pressure on either side of the eardrum.

Why Is Equalisation Snorkeling Important?

Equalising air pressure in your ears or sinuses is essential for reducing the risk of barotrauma, which can cause pain and long-term hearing damage if not treated correctly. If you don’t equalise correctly when diving below five metres deep, it can lead to barotrauma affecting your inner ear or even rupture your eardrum. Equalising correctly helps prevent these issues and allows you to safely enjoy diving without risking any harm to your ears or sinuses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, equalisation snorkeling is an important technique used by divers to reduce their risk of ear barotrauma when diving below five metres deep. It involves gently blowing out through the nose while pinching the nostrils closed, allowing air to escape from the sinuses into the middle ear space and equalising pressure on either side of the eardrum. By practicing correct equalisation techniques when diving, you can ensure that you stay safe and enjoy countless dives without any risk of harm to your ears or sinuses.

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Daniel Bennet