Eli5, how is it that Scuba divers typically have to squeeze their nose and blow to equalize the pressure in their ears every few feet, but those who free dive can sink 20-30 feet in 10 seconds, and be fine while not visually equalizing?

Question

Is the ability to breathe what changes this, or is there some other technique behind it?

In: 55

Answer 1

You can equalise by swallowing or changing the pressure in ur mask with a small bubble from the nose rather than needing to pintch every time.