The military way of doing things is not always the best or even most effective for the recreational diver. I broke both cheekbones in a car wreck and basically trashed my sinuses, Nearly 30 years later, I still have problems from that. It made equalizing very challenging for me and it is the reason that I gave up diving this year. I also play at being a musician and I felt that my hearing was more important that any dive I was going to do.
Below is information from PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) on equalization:
One of the most overlooked skills in scuba diving is equalizing. Yes, I said "skill." Equalizing may not seem to be a skill in the same way hovering or mask removal and replacement are skills. However, it is a skill, and you will become better at it with practice. As we all learned in our open water classes, the air spaces in bodies are readily compressed by water pressure when we descend. We need equalize those spaces to prevent pain, especially in the ears.I often suggest to students who are having difficulty equalizing to do a "pre-dive" Valsalva maneuver. At the surface, pinch your nose, and blow gently. This seems to pre-pressurize the ear, making later equalization easier. Then, equalize every few feet BEFORE you feel pressure. Once you start to feel pressure, it may be too late. All is not lost, however. Just ascend a few feet until the pressure is relieved and try again. Do not ever, ever try to force you way through equalization. This is almost a guarantee of ear damage. Don't worry that everyone is descending without you. Your instructor will keep an eye on you, and will wait as long as it takes. If you are certified, make sure you stay in contact with your buddy as you descend, so in case one of you has a problem, the other won't be starting the dive without the other. If you still have problems, try descending feet first, swallowing, wiggling your jaw, or any combination of these things.You can even practice your equalization without diving. Practicing the Valsalva or any of the other techniques will get you used to equalizing and what it feels like.Of course, don't forget about your mask. A little air added through your nose is all it takes. You will not need to worry about your mask when ascending--any excess pressure will vent out on its own. Your lungs should equalize with each breath, as long as you breathe continuously and follow the most important rule of scuba diving--don't hold your breath.
