SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scuba-ear-pain-ascend-a-few-feet

Your ears start to hurt on the way down. What should you do?

Ascend a few feet and try equalizing again.

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  1. Ascend a few feet and try equalizing again ✔
  2. Keep going down and push through it
  3. Blow as hard as you can

Why: Pain means your ear tubes are likely squeezed shut. Pushing deeper only causes injury. Rise a little to ease the pressure, then equalize gently.

Huh, didn't know that: DAN also suggests descending feet first and looking up, which helps open the ear tubes.

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What's the best way to communicate with a fish? Drop it a line.
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References

Answer: Ascend a few feet and try equalizing again. Pain means your ear tubes are likely squeezed shut. Pushing deeper only causes injury. Rise a little to ease the pressure, then equalize gently.

  1. DAN: 10 Tips for Easy Equalizing world.dan.org/health-medicine/health-resource/smart-guides/beat-the-squeeze-equalize-like-a-pro/10-tips-for-easy-equalizing
    If your ears begin to hurt, ascend a few feet and try equalizing again.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessWhen should divers equalize their ears on the way down?Sports & FitnessWithout equalizing, about how deep can you go before your ears begin to hurt?Sports & FitnessWhich descent position makes equalizing your ears easier?

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