This article will explain how to equalize ears. Toynbee maneuver allows you to safely equalize your ears. It does not involve the Valsalva maneuver, which is the usual approach. It involves gentle sucking into and out of your mouth. You will feel a difference after swallowing.
Eustachian tubes equalize when you swallow
The eustachian tubs are a series passageways that connect the middle of the ear with the back of the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx. They can be opened and closed to equalize air pressure within the middle ear. Swallowing and chewing open the tubes, allowing air to enter the middle. The tubes that are blocked can prevent the middle ear from functioning properly and cause hearing loss.
A blocked eustachian tub can cause pain, discomfort, or even ear damage. This condition is usually temporary and can easily be treated by addressing the root cause. Antibiotics and decongestants are available as treatment options. Some cases will require surgery to restore normal eustachian function.
Valsalva maneuver doesn't equalize ears
There are several ways to equalize your ears, and one of them is the Valsalva maneuver. The maneuver works by pinching the nostrils and blowing through the nose. It creates excess throat pressure which pushes air through Eustachian tubules and opens them. Although the Valsalva maneuver may not be as efficient as breathing through your mouth directly, it is still a useful tool.
A good way to equalize your ears is to squeeze your nostrils and blow into the sinuses. This is the easiest method to equalize your ears. This works well but you should not blow your nose so hard that it causes more damage to your ears. Blowing too hard could cause tissue damage in your ears, and may even lead to the rupture of your round windows.
Toynbee maneuver equalizes ears safely
The Toynbee maneuver is used to equalize the pressure in the middle of the ear. The middle ear is a dead space and must be equalized to match the inner and outer ear pressures. The best way to achieve this is to swallow and gently pinch your nose. This can reduce pain due to middle ear pressure imbalance.
To avoid locking your Eustachian tubes, it is important to practice the maneuver. These tissues can become irritated if they are subject to too much pressure. You should learn the Toynbee maneuver well.
Incorrect Equalization: Signs
Proper equalization techniques are essential for free divers. Incorrect equalization methods can cause inner ear injury. Specifically, forceful Valsalva maneuvers can cause the round window to rupture. This happens when the eustachian tube becomes blocked. The fluid then increases pressure, which causes the round window to burst. This condition can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
If you feel pain during equalization, stop immediately. It's important not to go too far because too much equalization can lock the Eustachian tubes. Instead, try ascending a few feet. If equalization still feels painful, lower your head and try again. If pain continues, use the Lowry technique, which combines the Valsalva maneuver with the Toynbee maneuver. You can also pinch the nose and swallow to equalize your ears.