>>264322The important thing to remember is that you equalize both ways.
As you descend, water pressure increases, causing your ear drum to flex inward. When you "pop" your ears, you are simply increasing the air pressure within your sinus cavity to that of ambient water pressure.
On your ascent, your ear drums will bow outwards as the water pressure decreases and the sinus cavity air pressure is an overpressure...reverse blocks are a little harder to equalize. Once you start to feel one, it is best to stop, descend 2-3 ft so you feel the pressure come off, then wait as your ears slowly acclimate.
NEVER FORCE IT.
