Dave wrote:
[snip]
Equalization always relates only to the difference in pressure between the
depth where you last equalized and the depth you're at. Surface pressure has
nothing to do with it at all.

see that's what i was confused about. i thought that the pressure in
my throat was zero feet surface pressure no matter what depth i was at,
and that i had to constantly maintain higher pressure in my ears than
what was in my throat to counter-act the water pressure. and if i
accidentally opened the tubes at let's say 50 feet without "pushing"
air into my ears that they might suddenly "loose pressure" back into my
throat and be back at surface pressure. frightening thought!