If you have ever wondered how to equalize ears, you've come to the right place. Toynbee is a safe way to equalize ears. This maneuver doesn't require the Valsalva maneuver which is the most common. It involves gentle sucking into and out of your mouth. Once you swallow, you will notice a change in your hearing.
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 open and close to equalize middle ear air pressure. Swallowing and chewing can open the tubes and allow air into the middle ear. The tubes that are blocked can prevent the middle ear from functioning properly and cause hearing loss.
An obstructed eustachian canal can cause discomfort and pain in your ears. It may also lead to damage. This condition is often temporary and can usually be treated by treating the underlying cause (e.g. sinus infection or nasal congestion). The treatment options include decongestants or antibiotics. Some cases will require surgery 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 the nostrils and blowing through the nose. It creates excess throat pressure which pushes air through Eustachian tubules 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 simplest way to equalize ears. This works well but you should not blow your nose so hard that it causes more damage to your ears. Blowing your ears too hard can cause tissue damage and even rupture of round windows.
Toynbee maneuver balances ears safely
Toynbee equalizes pressure in the middle. 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 can be damaged if too much pressure is applied. This is why it's important to learn how to perform the Toynbee maneuver carefully.
Improper equalization symptoms
Proper equalization techniques are essential for free divers. Incorrect equalization techniques could lead to inner ear trauma. For example, Valsalva maneuvers that are too forceful can lead to the round window bursting. This happens when the eustachian pipes become blocked. The fluid will increase pressure and cause the round glass to burst. This is dangerous and needs immediate 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. Instead, consider climbing just a few steps. If equalization still feels painful, lower your head and try again. 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.