Does Equalizing Your Ears Hurt?

To restore volume lost to pressure, you send air into the middle ear via the eustachian tubes

, equalizing or "popping" your ears. Failing to do this causes ears to hurt when diving, and potentially damages the delicate mechanisms of the ear.

Why can't I equalize my ears?

Normally, the eustachian tubes open when you do things like swallow or yawn. This naturally equalizes the pressure in your middle ear. If the eustachian tubes become narrowed or blocked due to a disease or condition, you may feel ear pressure that doesn't go away naturally.

What does equalizing ears feel like?

You should feel something happen in your ears as they equalize. Ear pressure equalization is usually accompanied by a popping/clicking/“poof” sound and a sensation of fullness in the ears.