If you have ever wondered how to equalize ears, you've come to the right place. The Toynbee maneuver is a safe method to equalize ears. It doesn’t involve the Valsalva maneuver that is the common approach. Instead, the technique involves gently sucking in/out of the mouth. You will feel a difference after swallowing.
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 and chewing allow air to flow through the tubes. The tubes can block the middle ear, which can lead to hearing loss.
A blocked eustachian tub can cause pain, discomfort, or even 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 many ways you can equalize the volume of your ears. 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. Although the Valsalva maneuver may not be as efficient as breathing through your mouth directly, it is still a useful tool.
Another technique to equalize your ears is the use of your nostrils to squeeze and blow air into your sinuses. This is the easiest method to equalize your ears. This works well but you should not blow your nose so hard that it causes more damage to your ears. Blowing too hard could cause tissue damage in your ears, and may even lead to the rupture of your round windows.
Toynbee maneuver equalizes ear safely
The Toynbee maneuver equalizes the pressure in the middle ear. 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 will help to prevent any pain caused by middle ear pressure imbalance.
It is important to practice this maneuver to avoid locking the Eustachian tubules. These tissues may close if there is too much pressure. You should learn the Toynbee maneuver well.
Symptoms of improper equalization
For free divers, you need to use the right equalization techniques. Incorrect equalization techniques can result in inner ear barotrauma. The round window can burst if you use forceful Valsalva maneuvers. This happens when the eustachian tube becomes blocked. The fluid then increases pressure, which causes the round window to burst. This is a potentially dangerous condition and requires emergency medical attention.
If you feel pain during equalization, stop immediately. It's important not to go too far because too much equalization can lock the Eustachian tubes. Instead, you can try climbing a few more feet. 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. You can also pinch the nose and swallow to equalize your ears.