Different equalization techniques - which one is best?

[Aviyes]

I use the Valsalva during the first few feet and then switch to the Frenzel once deeper. Hard to do the Frenzel when exhaling fully to sink those first 10-15 ft. My right ear prefers it as well.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I have sinus issues. I need to take a musinex / sudafed, etc. before diving or equalizing becomes a nightmare. Amazing how much better my dive is if I take one.

Valsalva for me.

 

[tc]

I often make Chamber dives to 165’. If possible I try NOT to valsava- if I lean my head back and yawn I can usually open up the tubes and clear. Using this method avoids overpressurizing the middle ears and stressing the membranes involved.

When instructing in open water this becomes a very critical skill, on one unfortunate occasion I had to evaluate about 25 students on their emergency ascent skills in a single day ( chill out- no standards were violated). Doing 2 dozen rapid ascents in s short time frame will test anyone’s ability to clear and recover.

My opinion- try not to valsalva, it overpressureizes the middle ear. Yawning or pressing the tounge to the roof of your mouth equalizes without the overpressureization of the middle ear.

Bottom line, try out different techniques and find the one that works best for you.

 

[alvinsuper]

4) "Frenzel" (or "Marcante - Odaglia")

This one for me. Maybe it's not obvious to use at first, but once you get the gist of it, you hardly ever will want to go back.

For those folks who can do no-hands or simply swallowing/yawning, well, lucky you. Of course, nothing can beat that.

I use the Valsalva during the first few feet and then switch to the Frenzel once deeper. Hard to do the Frenzel when exhaling fully to sink those first 10-15 ft. My right ear prefers it as well.

I'm not sure I get what the issue is. To do a Frenzel you use the air in your mouth, it's pretty easy to do even when exhaling completely.

 

[Aviyes]

I guess maybe I just haven't mastered doing the Frenzel quickly enough for repeated equalization that is required in the first 10-15 feet. Where I can maintain a steady valsalva easier.

 

[CLoP]

Frenzel for me. Never looked back after getting it down. It's instantaneous. Can even do it in bursts of 3 if I somehow fall behind.

 

[Sbiriguda]

Better is Toynbee (holding nose and swallowing), and almost always successful is Lowry (holding nose, closing mouth , small pressurization, and a swallow)

Some days ago I was doing SCUBA. I tried to do Toynbee and I don't know why I found it difficult to swallow with the reg mouthpiece in my mouth. Had to switch back to Valsalva. That might sound stupid, but I am missing something. Anyway it was the first time for me to try and since I wanted to enjoy the dive I went back almost immediately to the Valsalva maneuver I am more confident with

 

[Sbiriguda]

Frenzel for me

After searching and watching several videos, I think the one you posted is the clearest I have seen until now

 

[tursiops]

Try and avoid Valsalva....it is too easy (and too common) to blow too hard, and do damage.
Frenzel is worth practicing!
Beat the Squeeze: Equalize Like a Pro

 

[Jiminy]

How is everyone doing the frenzel with their reg in?

The vid above says you shouldn't have anything in your mouth