Eustachian Tubes

[Doc Harry]

Extend your neck while equalizing. Extending your neck is the same motion as looking up. I can clear and equalize without even pinching my nose if I extend my neck and open my Eustachian tubes.

 

[Doc Harry]

I find my students learn a great deal from this:
http://www.dansa.org/downloads/The Divers Complete Guide to the Ear.pdf

Excellent reference, thanks.

 

[Damselfish]

Definitely try methods other than holding your nose (vasalva), there are many ways and different things work better for different people. Swallowing and sometimes tilting my head to one side or other does it for me. I also found proplugs help me a lot, especially when diving for many days in a row.