This is the best place to learn how to equalize ear canals. Toynbee maneuver allows you to safely equalize your ears. It doesn't involve a Valsalva maneuver, which is the typical approach. Instead, you gently squeeze your lips. You'll notice a difference in your hearing after swallowing.
Eustachian tubes equalize with swallowing
The eustachian pipes are a series if passageways that connects the middle ear to either the nasopharynx (or back of the nose cavity). They are used to equalize the air pressure in your middle ear. Swallowing and chewing allow air to flow through the tubes. Hearing loss can result from the tubes being blocked.
A blocked eustachian tubes can cause discomfort and pain in the ears. In some cases, it may even lead to ear damage. This condition is usually temporary and can easily be treated by addressing the root cause. Treatment options include antibiotics and decongestants. 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.
Another effective equalizing technique is to squeeze the nostrils and blow air into the sinuses. This is the easiest way to equalize your ears. Although this works well, avoid blowing too hard on your nose. It can cause more damage to your ears. Blowing your nose too hard can damage your ears' tissue and cause your round windows to burst.
Toynbee maneuver safely equalizes ears
The Toynbee maneuver equalizes the pressure in the middle ear. The middle ear is a dead space and must be equalized to match the inner and outer ear pressures. In order to do this, a person should swallow and gently pinch their nose. This can prevent pain from resulting from middle ear pressure imbalance.
It's important to practice this maneuver in order to avoid locking the Eustachian tubes. These tissues can be damaged if too much pressure is applied. This is why you need to be familiar with the Toynbee maneuver.
Signs of an improper equalization
For free divers, you need to use the right equalization techniques. Incorrect equalization techniques may lead to inner-ear barotrauma. Valsalva maneuvers, which are particularly forceful, can cause the window to burst. This happens when the eustachian pipes become blocked. The fluid will increase pressure and cause the round glass to burst. This is dangerous and needs immediate medical attention.
If you feel pain during equalization, stop immediately. Do not attempt to equalize too long as it can cause damage to the Eustachian tube. Instead, consider climbing just a few steps. If equalization remains painful, lower yourself again and do the same. If you feel pain, try the Lowry procedure, which combines Valsalva maneuvers with the Toynbee maneuver. You can also pinch the nose and swallow to equalize your ears.