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 doesn't involve a Valsalva maneuver, which is the typical approach. Instead, it involves gently sucking in and out of the mouth. After swallowing, you'll hear a difference in your hearing.
Swallowing equalizes eustachian tubes
The eustachian tube is a network of passageways connecting the middle ear to the nasopharynx or back of your nasal cavity. They are used to equalize the air pressure in your middle ear. Swallowing or chewing opens the tubes and allows air to enter into the middle of the 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. The condition is usually temporary and can be treated with treatment for the underlying cause such as sinus infection or nasal congestion. The treatment options include decongestants or antibiotics. However, some cases may need surgery to restore normal eustachian function.
Valsalva maneuver doesn't equalize ears
There are many ways to equalize your ears. One of these 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 it isn't as efficient as breathing through a mouth, the Valsalva maneuver can still be very useful.
Another way to equalize the airflow is to squeeze the nostrils, and then blow the air into your sinuses. This is the easiest way to equalize your ears. Although this works well, avoid blowing too hard on your nose. It can cause more damage to your ears. Blowing too hard can damage the tissue in your ears and can even rupture your round windows.
Toynbee maneuver equalizes ear safely
The Toynbee maneuver is used to equalize the pressure in the middle of the 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. In order to do this, a person should swallow and gently pinch 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 can close if you apply too much pressure. This is why it's important to learn how to perform the Toynbee maneuver carefully.
Unfair equalization: Signs and symptoms
For free divers, you need to use the right equalization techniques. Incorrect equalization techniques can result in inner ear barotrauma. For example, Valsalva maneuvers that are too forceful can lead to the round window bursting. This happens when the eustachian tube becomes blocked. The fluid then increases pressure, which causes the round window to burst. This condition can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
If you feel pain during equalization, stop immediately. Don't go too far, as too much equalization may cause Eustachian tubes lock. Instead, you can try climbing a few more feet. If equalization is still painful, lower yourself and repeat the procedure. The Lowry technique, which combines both the Valsalva maneuver and the Toynbee maneuver, is recommended if pain persists. You can also pinch the nose and swallow to equalize your ears.