clearing the ear methods

[coralcrazed]

does anyone use the tilt head method to clear the ear and regulate? I usually squeez the nose method. typically woks for me. but the tilt head does not work for me. Is there a trik to doing this right? It would be nice not to have to use my hand at all. thanks

[greyzen]

wiggle your jaw, pinch your nose, pretend to chew gum.

Something people tend to forget is orient yourself up/down and look slightly up.

[CompuDude]

I generally use both. Tilting my head is not quite enough to do it alone, but it makes for an easier Valsalva. (the pinch your nose and blow method)

[plot]

pinch the nose until i get deeper, than yawning works.

if i have trouble clearing, i go up a few feet and try again.

i also start clearing them a few days before i start diving just so i'm in the clearing mood and my ears are ready for it!

[chinacat46]

Sometimes I can just clear by swallowing hard and moving my jaw forward. If that dosen't work then I do the Valsalva.

[DZorn00]

I was haveing trouble on my first closed water dive even going down 10 ft. I then tried yanning when I was down and that seemed to help me keep them clear for the rest of my dive. I also tried everyone elses suggestion of clearing everyday and a few days before and that I think had a lot to do with it.

[Dark Coffee]

If no one has pointed you to this video, take a peek at it. Its very helpful.
Its a medical lecture on diving related ear damage & clearing methods.
http://www.uwtv.org/programs/displayevent.aspx?rID=2272

[coralcrazed]

that is an awsome video... thank you for sharing it...

[RikRaeder]

Helpful and informative...thanks

[TxScubaBear]

The methods in that video have helped me more than once I tell ya! It's great!