If you've ever wondered how you can equalize your ears, this is the place for you. Toynbee maneuver can be used to equalize your ears. It does not involve the Valsalva maneuver, which is the usual approach. Instead, the technique involves gently sucking in/out of the mouth. Once you swallow, you will notice a change in your hearing.
Eustachian tubes are equalized by swiping
The eustachian pipes are a series if passageways that connects the middle ear to either the nasopharynx (or back of the nose cavity). They function to equalize air pressure in the middle ear by opening and closing. 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 blocked eustachiantube can cause discomfort in the ears and even damage. The condition is usually temporary and can be treated with treatment for the underlying cause such as sinus infection or nasal congestion. There are two options for treatment: decongestants and antibiotics. Some cases will require surgery to restore normal eustachian function.
Valsalva maneuver doesn't equalize ears
There are many methods to equalize your ears. The Valsalva maneuver is one. This maneuver involves pinching your nostrils, blowing through your nose and creating excessive throat pressure. This pushes air through the Eustachian tubes, opening them. The Valsalva maneuver can be useful, even though it's not as effective as breathing through the mouth.
Another method to equalize is to squeeze your nose and blow air into the sinuses. This is the simplest way to equalize ears. Although this works well, avoid blowing too hard on your nose. It can cause more damage to your ears. Blowing your ears too hard can cause tissue damage and even rupture of round windows.
Toynbee maneuver equalizes ear safely
Toynbee equalizes the pressure at the middle ear. Because the middle ear is a dead air space, it needs equalizing to match the outer and inner ear pressures. A person can achieve this by swallowing and gently pinching their nose. This can reduce pain due to 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. You should learn the Toynbee maneuver well.
Unfair equalization: Signs and symptoms
Free divers require the use of proper equalization techniques. 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 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, consider climbing just a few steps. If equalization remains painful, lower yourself again and do the same. You can also use the Lowry method, which combines the Valsalva maneuver along with the Toynbee technique, if the pain continues. To equalize your ears, you can pinch your nose and swallow.