What technique can help to alleviate discomfort caused by changes in pressure during a dive?

Equalizing pressure is a technique used to address discomfort caused by changes in pressure during a dive, particularly when descending or ascending. As a diver goes deeper, the water pressure increases, which can affect air spaces in the body, such as the ears and sinuses. If this pressure is not equalized, it can lead to pain or potential injury.

To equalize pressure, divers typically perform actions such as pinching their nose and gently blowing, which allows air to flow into the middle ear and equalize the pressure on either side of the eardrum. This method is essential for preventing barotrauma and ensuring a comfortable dive experience.

The other techniques listed, such as rapid ascent, holding breath, and frequent surface pauses, do not effectively address the discomfort caused by changing pressure. In fact, rapid ascents can lead to serious complications such as decompression sickness, and holding one’s breath while ascending can result in lung over-expansion injuries. Frequent surface pauses are not designed specifically for equalizing pressure and might not provide the immediate relief needed during descent or ascent. Thus, equalizing pressure is the appropriate and effective response to discomfort related to pressure changes while diving.