Brian,
I found that it is easier to equalize the ears (overcome the external pressure) when the differential pressure between the pressure inside ears and the pressure outside the ears is essentially as small as possible. Once the differential increases, the internal pressure must be high enough to overcome the external pressure before the ears can equalize (or pop). This kind of explains why, on the ascent, equalization of the ears happens effortlessly (unless you have reverse squeeze due to clogged sinuses or whatever).
If you find that you always have trouble equalizing at the surface without squeezing your nose and blowling, try a combination of holding your nose and blowing with swallowing, yawning, and/or wiggling your jaw.
I prefer to equalize on the descent through a combination of swallowing and wiggling the jaw, or yawning and wiggling the jaw. And yes, you can yawn or swallow underwater, However there is always the one off situations when I am clogged up with the sinuses that the squeezing the ears and blowing is needed for the extra kick.
It actually works out (at least for me) that if I cannot equalize at the surface, I know that I will definately not be able to equalize on the dive. Kind of an early warning.
I found that it is easier to equalize the ears (overcome the external pressure) when the differential pressure between the pressure inside ears and the pressure outside the ears is essentially as small as possible. Once the differential increases, the internal pressure must be high enough to overcome the external pressure before the ears can equalize (or pop). This kind of explains why, on the ascent, equalization of the ears happens effortlessly (unless you have reverse squeeze due to clogged sinuses or whatever).
If you find that you always have trouble equalizing at the surface without squeezing your nose and blowling, try a combination of holding your nose and blowing with swallowing, yawning, and/or wiggling your jaw.
I prefer to equalize on the descent through a combination of swallowing and wiggling the jaw, or yawning and wiggling the jaw. And yes, you can yawn or swallow underwater, However there is always the one off situations when I am clogged up with the sinuses that the squeezing the ears and blowing is needed for the extra kick.
It actually works out (at least for me) that if I cannot equalize at the surface, I know that I will definately not be able to equalize on the dive. Kind of an early warning.
