SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam 2025 - Free Scuba Diver Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Valsalva maneuver is commonly used for equalizing ear pressure during descent because it involves actively forcing air into the Eustachian tubes. To perform this technique, a diver pinches their nose shut and exhales gently, creating positive pressure in the throat and pushing air upward into the middle ear. This helps equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum, preventing discomfort or potential injury as the diver descends.

While other techniques, such as the Frenzel maneuver and the Toynbee maneuver, are also effective methods for equalizing ear pressure, the Valsalva maneuver is particularly well-known and frequently taught during diving courses for its simplicity and widespread use among divers. The swallowing technique can also assist with equalization, but it may not be as effective during deeper descents. Understanding these various techniques is vital for maintaining comfort and safety while scuba diving, but the Valsalva maneuver is a foundational skill that divers are encouraged to master.