How to Equalize While Freediving Using Frenzel

Equalization is the process of balancing pressure in the middle ear and other air spaces as you descend underwater. For most beginner freedivers, the main technique to learn is Frenzel equalization.

Frenzel uses the tongue and throat to compress a small amount of air toward the Eustachian tubes. It is generally more controlled and efficient for freediving than pushing from the chest or abdomen.

Equalize before you feel pain

A common beginner mistake is waiting until the ears feel uncomfortable. By that point, the pressure difference may make equalization more difficult.

A better approach is to:

• Begin equalizing at or just before the descent.
• Equalize gently and frequently.
• Stop descending if an equalization does not work.
• Ascend slightly and try again without force.
• End the dive if pressure or pain continues.

Never continue descending through ear or sinus pain.

How Frenzel equalization works

During Frenzel, the glottis closes so air is not pushed up from the lungs. With the nostrils gently pinched, the tongue acts like a piston and compresses the air already in the mouth and throat. That pressure is directed toward the middle ears through the Eustachian tubes.

The movement is small. It should feel more like forming a firm “T,” “K,” or “G” sound with the back of the tongue than straining the abdomen. You may feel or hear a light click or opening sensation in both ears.

A simple way to practice Frenzel on land

1. Sit upright and breathe normally.
2. Gently pinch your nostrils closed.
3. Keep your chest and abdomen relaxed.
4. Close the glottis as though you were briefly holding your breath.
5. Make a controlled “K” or “T” movement with the tongue.
6. Stop as soon as the ears equalize. Do not keep increasing pressure.

Practice gently and only for short periods. The goal is to recognize and isolate the tongue movement, not to produce the strongest possible pressure. An instructor can help confirm whether you are using Frenzel or unknowingly reverting to a chest-driven technique.

Frenzel compared with Valsalva

Valsalva equalization uses pressure generated by the lungs, chest and abdominal muscles. It may work near the surface, but it becomes less effective as depth increases and can create unnecessary effort and tension.

Frenzel uses the smaller air space above the closed glottis. This makes it better suited to relaxed, repeated equalization during a freediving descent.

Using Frenzel during a descent

Equalize before you feel pressure, then repeat the movement frequently as you descend. A slow, controlled descent gives you time to notice when the ears need attention.

Head-down equalization can initially feel harder than practicing upright. If Frenzel works on land but not during a dive, slow down, remain shallower and work with an instructor rather than forcing more pressure.

Why equalization sometimes fails

Equalization can be affected by:

• Starting too late.
• Descending too quickly.
• Tension in the face, jaw or throat.
• Poor head position.
• Congestion, allergies or a recent illness.
• Opening the glottis and pushing from the chest instead of using the tongue.
• Failing to keep the soft palate in a position that allows pressure to reach the nose and ears.
• An inefficient or inconsistent Frenzel tongue position.

Do not dive when congestion prevents comfortable equalization. Never use medication simply to hide symptoms so you can dive without appropriate medical advice.

Equalization is a skill

Difficulty equalizing does not mean you are bad at freediving. It is one of the most common obstacles for beginners.

During a course, we can slow the descent, remain shallower and separate the different parts of Frenzel before adding depth. Progress comes from comfortable repetition, not force.

This article is general education and not medical advice. Persistent pain, hearing changes or other ear symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

Equalization is taught during the AIDA 1+2 beginner course and can also be addressed during a private training session.