Any tips on improving Eustasian tube function?

[deignor]

Just got back from the ear specialist. About 3 and 1/2 weeks ago on a live aboard in Bahamas, I ascended and had horrible equalization problems in left ear. Very painful, when it finally equalized, I had a wave of vertigo. Took it easy the rest of the trip and saw ear doctor when I got home. I had some middle ear barotrauma and fluid in my left middle ear. No inner ear damage or problems. Went on antibiotics and also steroid nose spray, and got a CATscan to check if I have sinus problems.
Good news- I do not have chronic sinusitis. Doc thinks it is all allergy related so I will continue Allegra D and nose spray.
It just seems my left Eustasian tube is just lazy ever since I was on a flight from Portugal that landed too quickly (everyone had equalization problems and pain on flight). I ended up with a bad ear infection from that flight.
My plan is to practice equalizing on land, equalize before I jump into the water and equalize often on descent . Any other hints??? I really don't want to experience the ear problems again if I can help it.
Thanks
Diana

 

[Charlie99]

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=13 has a few tips on equalization and avoiding ear trauma.

My tubes make a distinctive "click" when opening. Once you recognize that sound, then you can practice equalization pretty much anywhere, at any time.

 

[sundtzu]

Here's another interesting article on the subject:
http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/MEbaro.html#Intro