Equalizing can be one of the most the challenging skills that a diver should develop. In order to stand it better, you should know what goes on when a person is equalizing. This involves opening up the eustachian tubes in order to allow the high pressure in the throat to travel to your middle ears. By doing this, the pressure in your middle ears will equal the pressure around you, preventing you from experiencing immense pain and encountering potential damages to the delicate mechanisms of your ear.

The most popular method for equalizing is the Vasalva Maneuver which involves pinching one's nose and blowing gently, forcing the tubes to open with air pressure. You can also try swallowing every few minutes before entering the diver. This will allow you to get used to the "popping" that you feel in your ears whenever you swallow. This is the feeling that you are looking for when you try to do the Valsalva Maneuver under water. During your descent, do this feet first because it makes it easier for you to open your Eustachian tubes. You should also try looking up when you do your Valsalva Maneuver because extending your neck can help in opening your eustachian tubes.