In diving, “equalizing” means the need to equalize the pressure between the inside of your ears and underwater.

The human body is highly adaptive. However, it’s not specifically built to live and last underwater. That’s why equalizing is one technique you need to master. Otherwise, you could put yourself at risk.

The most basic way to equalize is through the Valsalva technique. It’s done by pinching your nose and gently blowing air up through your throat and into the eustachian tubes.

If that doesn’t work for you, don’t fret. Here are other ways you can equalize underwater.

Yawn and Tilt

This is another common way of equalizing underwater. It’s even used when you’re too high up somewhere that you need to equalize. Try this by teninge your jaw and throat and then thrusting the jaw forward and down. This modified yawn helps pull the eustachian tubes open. You can also try tilting your head from side to side.

Toynbee Maneuver

Try this technique by pinching your nostrils closed and then swallowing, pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth.

Frenzel Maneuver

Close your nostrils and close the back of your throat, then make a deep, prolonged grunting sound. This is like pulling off the Tonybee Maneuver, only with sound.

Lowry Technique

This is a combination of Valsalva and Toynbee. Do this by closing your nostrils while blowing and swallowing at the same time.

Edmonds Technique

Do this by tensing the soft palate and throat muscles and pushing the jaw forward and down, and then pinching your nostrils and blowing out air gently.

Image source: sportdiver.com