What is the recommended practice for dealing with equalization issues while descending?

When dealing with equalization issues while descending, ascending a little and then continuing to descend is the recommended practice. This approach allows divers to relieve pressure and make it easier to equalize their ears or sinuses effectively. When a diver feels discomfort or difficulty in equalizing, ascending slightly creates less pressure, enabling the body to adjust and promote a successful equalization process.

The rationale behind this technique is grounded in how pressure changes affect the body. Divers experience increasing ambient pressure as they descend, which can lead to discomfort if the internal pressure in the ears or sinuses isn't equalized. By slightly ascending, the pressure difference diminishes, allowing divers to use techniques such as the Valsalva maneuver to relieve any pressure issues.

Maintaining a proactive approach by signaling a buddy or pausing without movement, while they are valid steps in diving practice, do not directly address the equalization issue as effectively as the recommended practice. Similarly, holding your breath and continuing to descend can exacerbate equalization problems and pose serious risks such as barotrauma. Hence, the most effective practice when facing equalization challenges is to ascend a little and then continue the descent while ensuring that equalization is effectively managed.