This is the best place to learn how to equalize ear canals. Toynbee's maneuver is safe and effective. It does not involve the Valsalva maneuver, which is the usual approach. Instead, the technique involves gently sucking in/out of the mouth. You'll notice a difference in your hearing after swallowing.
Eustachian tubes equalize with swallowing
The eustachian tube is a network of passageways connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx or back of your nasal cavity. They work by equalizing the air pressure between the middle and back of the nasal cavity. Swallowing or chewing opens the tubes and allows air to enter into the middle of the ear. The tubes can block the middle ear, which can lead to 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. Some cases may require surgery in order 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. 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. Although the Valsalva maneuver may not be as efficient as breathing through your mouth directly, it is still a useful tool.
Another method to equalize is to squeeze your nose and blow air into the sinuses. This is the simplest way to equalize 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 balances ears 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. To do this, one should swallow and then 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 may close if there is too much pressure. This is why you need to be familiar with the Toynbee maneuver.
Unfair equalization: Signs and symptoms
It is important to use correct equalization techniques for free divers. Incorrect equalization can lead to inner ear barotrauma. For example, Valsalva maneuvers that are too forceful can lead to the round window bursting. This happens when the fluid pressure rises and the round window bursts. This is dangerous and requires emergency 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, try ascending a few feet. If equalization is still painful you can lower yourself and continue the process. If the pain continues, you can use the Lowry technique. This combines the Valsalva maneuver as well as the Toynbee method. You can also pinch your nose and swallow to help equalize your ears.