First-time divers · Lesson 02
Ear Equalisation for Scuba Diving: Pressure and Comfort
Equalisation balances pressure across air spaces as you change depth. It should be gentle and comfortable; pain is a reason to stop, not something to push through.
Copperband learning sheet
Equalisation: balance the pressure
The air space must keep up as surrounding pressure changes.
Logic sheet: connect the idea with the decision
Use these prompts to check your understanding before discussing practical decisions with your instructor.
Remember: Pain is not a normal milestone to push through. A shallow dive still requires equalisation.
Educational information only. This sheet does not replace official training, practical instruction or certification through a recognised scuba diving organisation such as PADI. It is not an emergency protocol, personal medical assessment or technical dive plan.
Why your ears notice a descent
The middle ear contains an air space. As surrounding water pressure rises on descent, that space needs to equalise through the Eustachian tubes, which connect it with the throat. If pressure does not balance, the eardrum and surrounding tissues can be stressed. This is different from water simply being present in the outer ear.
The largest proportional pressure change occurs near the surface. A shallow introductory dive therefore still requires proper equalisation. Going deeper in the hope that discomfort will disappear can cause injury.
What to do when equalisation is difficult
Learn an appropriate gentle technique from your instructor and equalise early and frequently during a slow, controlled descent. Stop descending if you cannot equalise. With your instructor, a small reduction in depth may help; if equalisation is still not possible, end the dive safely. Never force a technique or continue descending through pain.
Congestion, illness and ear problems can interfere with equalisation. Tell the team before diving and seek medical advice about persistent symptoms. Pain, vertigo or sudden hearing changes require ending the dive and appropriate medical assessment; an online lesson cannot assess your ear.
Your mask also contains an air space
A scuba mask encloses air in front of your eyes and nose. Its internal pressure needs to stay balanced during descent. Your instructor teaches the gentle nose-exhalation needed for this and checks that the mask is appropriate for scuba. Swimming goggles do not provide the same access for equalisation.
A tight mask strap does not solve a pressure imbalance and can make a poor fit less comfortable. Ask for a fit check rather than repeatedly tightening it. Good preparation includes being able to identify which air space is causing discomfort.
Go a little deeper
proportional pressure explains shallow-water sensitivity
In an approximate seawater model, absolute pressure increases from 1 bar at the surface to 2 bar at 10 metres. That doubles the pressure over the first 10 metres. From 10 to 20 metres it rises from 2 to 3 bar, a smaller proportional increase. This is why a seemingly small depth change near the surface matters. The figures illustrate physics and are not a descent target or a personal medical assessment.
Check your understanding
Should I force equalisation if the group is descending?
No. Signal your instructor, stop descending and follow the agreed procedure. The group’s pace does not justify pain or force.
Connect theory with training
For a Pattaya trip, tell the team your qualification, last-dive date and learning goals so the practical programme can be matched to you.
Sources and further reading
This is an independently written educational guide, not an official PADI course manual or certification assessment. Ask your instructor about unclear concepts before applying them in the water.