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. Instead, you gently squeeze your lips. You'll notice a difference in your hearing after swallowing.
Eustachian tubes equalize when you swallow
The eustachian pipes are a series if passageways that connects the middle ear to either the nasopharynx (or back of the nose cavity). They open and close to equalize middle ear air pressure. Swallowing and chewing can open the tubes and allow air into the middle ear. When the tubes are blocked, the middle ear cannot function properly, resulting in 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. You can use antibiotics or decongestants to treat the condition. However, some cases may need 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. This maneuver involves pinching your nostrils, blowing through your nose and creating excessive throat pressure. This pushes air through the Eustachian tubes, opening them. While Valsalva isn’t as effective at breathing through your nose, it can still be helpful.
Another technique to equalize your ears is the use of your nostrils to squeeze and blow air into your sinuses. This is the easiest way to equalize your ears. While this method works well, you should be careful not to blow through your nose too much. This could cause more injury to the ears. Blowing too hard can cause damage to your ears and even break your round windows.
Toynbee maneuver equalizes ear safely
Toynbee equalizes pressure in the middle. Because the middle ear has a dead air space, they need to be equalized to match their pressures. You can do this by gently pinching your nose and swallowing. This maneuver can help prevent the pain that results from the middle ear pressure imbalance.
It is important to practice this maneuver to avoid locking the Eustachian tubules. These tissues can be damaged if too much pressure is applied. It is important to know how to do the Toynbee maneuver correctly.
Improper equalization symptoms
For free divers, it is essential to use proper 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 tubs become blocked. As a result, the fluid expands, increasing pressure and rupturing the round windows. This is a potentially dangerous condition and requires emergency 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. Try climbing a few feet instead. 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. To equalize your ears you can also pinch your nose, and swallow.