If you have ever wondered how to equalize ears, you've come to the right place. Toynbee's maneuver is safe and effective. It does not involve the Valsalva maneuver, which is the usual approach. It involves gentle sucking in and exhaling from the mouth. You will feel a difference after swallowing.
Eustachian tubes equalize with swallowing
The eustachian tubes are a series of passageways that connect the middle ear with the nasopharynx, or back of the nasal cavity. They are used to equalize the air pressure in your middle ear. Swallowing and chewing both open the tubes and allow air to enter the middle ear. The tubes that are blocked can prevent the middle ear from functioning properly and cause hearing loss.
An obstructed eustachian canal can cause discomfort and pain in your ears. It may also lead to damage. This condition is often temporary and can usually be treated by treating the underlying cause (e.g. sinus infection or nasal congestion). The treatment options include decongestants or antibiotics. Some cases may require surgery to restore normal function.
Valsalva maneuver doesn't equalize ears
There are many methods to equalize your ears. The Valsalva maneuver is one. 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. While the Valsalva maneuver isn't as effective as breathing through your mouth, it can be a helpful tool to have.
Another method to equalize is to squeeze your nose and blow air into the sinuses. This is the best way to equalize your ears. It works well. However, it is important to not blow too hard through your nose. This can cause further injury to your ears. Blowing your ears too hard can cause tissue damage and even rupture of round windows.
Toynbee maneuver balances ears safely
The Toynbee maneuver is used to equalize the pressure in the middle of the ear. Because the middle ear has a dead air space, they need to be equalized to match their pressures. A person can achieve this by swallowing and gently pinching their nose. This can help reduce the pain that is caused by the middle ear pressure imbalance.
This maneuver should be practiced to avoid locking the Eustachian tube. These tissues may close if there is too much pressure. This is why it is so important to be able to execute the Toynbee maneuver properly.
Signs of an improper equalization
For free divers, you need to use the right equalization techniques. Incorrect equalization can lead to inner ear barotrauma. Specifically, forceful Valsalva maneuvers can cause the round window to rupture. This happens when the eustachian tubs become blocked. As a result, the fluid expands, increasing pressure and rupturing the round windows. This can be dangerous and should prompt 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, climb a few feet. If equalization still feels painful, lower your head and try again. If you feel pain, try the Lowry procedure, which combines Valsalva maneuvers with the Toynbee maneuver. You can also pinch your nose and swallow to help equalize your ears.