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 doesn't involve a Valsalva maneuver, which is the typical approach. Instead, it involves gently sucking in and out of the mouth. When you swallow, your hearing will change.
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 can be opened and closed to equalize air pressure within the middle ear. Swallowing and chewing both open the tubes and allow air to enter the middle ear. The tubes can block the middle ear, which can lead to hearing loss.
A blocked eustachiantube can cause discomfort in the ears and even damage. This condition is often temporary and can usually be treated by treating the underlying cause (e.g. sinus infection or nasal congestion). Antibiotics and decongestants are available as treatment options. Some cases may require surgery in order to restore normal eustachian function.
Valsalva maneuver doesn't equalize ears
There are several methods that can equalize your ears. One is the Valsalva maneuver. The maneuver works by pinching your nostrils and blowing through your nose, creating excess throat pressure that pushes air through your Eustachian tubes and opens them. The Valsalva maneuver can be useful, even though it's not as effective as breathing through the mouth.
Another way to equalize the airflow is to squeeze the nostrils, and then blow the air into your sinuses. This is the easiest and most effective way to equalize you 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 cause damage to your ears and even break your round windows.
Toynbee maneuver equalizes ears safely
Toynbee equalizes pressure in the middle. The middle ear is a dead space and must be equalized to match the inner and outer ear pressures. You can do this by gently pinching your nose and swallowing. This can prevent pain from resulting from 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. This is why it is so important to be able to execute the Toynbee maneuver properly.
Improper equalization symptoms
Proper equalization techniques are essential for free divers. Incorrect equalization techniques can result in inner ear barotrauma. Specifically, forceful Valsalva maneuvers can cause the round window to rupture. This happens when the eustachian tubs become blocked. As a result, the fluid expands, increasing pressure and rupturing the round windows. This is dangerous and requires emergency medical attention.
If you feel pain during equalization, stop immediately. Equalization should not be extended beyond what is necessary to prevent the Eustachian tubs from locking up. Instead, you can try climbing a few more feet. If equalization is still painful, lower yourself and repeat the procedure. If you feel pain, try the Lowry procedure, which combines Valsalva maneuvers with the Toynbee maneuver. To help equalize your ears, pinch your nose and swallow.