ear pressure

Question
when i do snorkeling,when i get into 5ft deep(only)my ears ache like its too much pressure,i mean how can i get deeper without getting some pain inside it,i cant wear earplugs because if it accidentally got out of my ear it might took pressure inside and cause damage to me.is it advisable to let the water inside my ear to reduce pressure.im really amazed by the way divers tolerate the pressure in their ears despite the deep they dive,while me-i only 6ft deep and my ears want to blow.im not very good in constructing english word coz im asian and i hope you can help me with my problem.thank you james.

Answer
Hi Emerson,

Yes, it is too much pressure (pain) on your ears.  You must equalize the airspace in your mask and inner ear by pinching your nose and gently exhaling so that your ears 'pop' or expand.  You can do it (gently!) right now.  When you feel your ears react, stop.  DO NOT FORCE THIS MOVE!!! You can damage your inner ear (I did this myself as a new diver and now suffer from tinitis).

With some practice this becomes very easy.  You must equalize BEFORE you feel pain.  Equalize at the surface, then equalize often as you descend.

Have fun, snorkel safely,
James