If you have ever wondered how to equalize ears, you've come to the right place. 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. After swallowing, you'll hear a difference in your hearing.
Eustachian tubes are equalized by swiping
The eustachian tubs are a series passageways that connect the middle of the ear with the back of the nasal cavity, the nasopharynx. They function to equalize air pressure in the middle ear by opening and closing. Swallowing and chewing open the tubes, allowing air to enter the middle. If the tubes become blocked, the middle of the ear can't function properly and this can cause hearing loss.
A clogged eustachian tube can cause pain and discomfort in the ears, and in some cases, may even result in ear damage. This condition is usually temporary and can easily be treated by addressing the root cause. The treatment options include decongestants or antibiotics. Some cases may require surgery to restore normal function.
Valsalva maneuver doesn't equalize ears
There are several methods that can equalize your ears. One is the Valsalva maneuver. You pinch your nostrils and blow through your nose to equalize your ears. The excess throat pressure pushes air through Eustachian tube openings and pushes it through your nostrils. While Valsalva isn’t as effective at breathing through your nose, it can still be helpful.
A good way to equalize your ears is to squeeze your nostrils and blow into the sinuses. This is the easiest 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 too hard can damage the tissue in your ears and can even rupture your round windows.
Toynbee maneuver safestows ears
The Toynbee maneuver balances the pressure in your middle ear. Because the middle space is a dead zone, it must be equalized in order to match the pressures of the outer and inner ears. To do this, one should swallow and then gently pinch their nose. This can reduce pain due to 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. You should learn the Toynbee maneuver well.
Symptoms of improper equalization
For free divers, you need to use the right equalization techniques. Incorrect equalization techniques can result in inner ear barotrauma. Specifically, forceful Valsalva maneuvers can cause the round window to rupture. This occurs when the eustachian tubes become blocked, causing the fluid to increase pressure and blow out the round window. This is dangerous and needs immediate medical attention.
If you feel pain during equalization, stop immediately. You should not go too far as too much equalization could cause the Eustachian tubes to become locked. Instead, climb a few feet. If equalization still feels painful, lower your head and try again. You can also use the Lowry method, which combines the Valsalva maneuver along with the Toynbee technique, if the pain continues. You can also pinch your nose and swallow to help equalize your ears.