During a dive, what should you do if you experience difficulty equalizing your ears?

If you are experiencing difficulty equalizing your ears while diving, the best course of action is to ascend slightly and try to equalize again. This recommendation is rooted in the principle of managing pressure changes in a safe manner. When you descend, the water pressure increases, which can make it more difficult to equalize ear pressure if you are having trouble. By ascending a bit, you decrease the surrounding water pressure, which can make it easier to perform the equalization techniques, such as the Valsalva maneuver or the Frenzel maneuver.

Equalizing is vital for preventing barotrauma, which can occur when there is a pressure imbalance between the inner ear and the external environment. Ignoring the discomfort or descending further would exacerbate the issue, potentially leading to injury. Signaling your buddy and surfacing immediately is not recommended unless you face severe pain or inability to equalize after trying the appropriate techniques, but generally, a slight ascent is the best first response to the situation.