{"id":3382,"date":"2022-01-07T14:14:44","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T14:14:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divingcorner.com\/?p=3382"},"modified":"2022-01-07T14:14:45","modified_gmt":"2022-01-07T14:14:45","slug":"equalize-ear-pressure-while-scuba-diving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divingcorner.com\/equalize-ear-pressure-while-scuba-diving\/","title":{"rendered":"2 Ways to Equalize Ear Pressure While Scuba Diving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Equalizing ear pressure while scuba diving is a task every diver must master. To function properly the pressure on the outer ear which is exposed to the environment should be equal to the pressure in the airspace of the middle ear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The normally closed Eustachian tubes provides a passage way for air from the throat to the middle ear airspace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hundreds of times a day, our body will automatically open the Eustachian tubes<\/em> allowing the two spaces to equalize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are times, such as when scuba diving or flying in an airplane, when there is a rapid change in pressure and the natural process does not happen fast enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difference in pressures can cause the natural methods to fail. When this occurs we will experience pain in the ears and if it is not corrected, may lead to a ruptured ear drum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A number of methods that can be used to for equalizing ear pressure while scuba diving. The two most common ways to clear while diving are the Valsalva Maneuver which is a blowing method and the Frenzel Maneuver which involves the tongue. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other similar methods use swallowing or jaw movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equalizing Ear Pressure While Scuba Diving Using The Valsalva Maneuver<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Valsalva Maneuver seems to be the one that every scuba diver is taught how to do. It may not be the best and it may present some troubles but it is the easiest for most people. You simply pinch your nostrils close and exhale or blow out through your nose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This results in a build up of pressure in your throat that will open the Eustachian tubes. The open tubes will allow the pressure of the middle ear to match that of the outer ear.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The medical community warns that if you use too much pressure when you blow out, you could over pressurize the middle ear airspace causing some damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another concern is that the pressure difference could have the wrong impact by forcing the soft tissue to firmly close instead of opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using The Frenzel Maneuver<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Frenzel maneuver<\/a> was developed prior to WWII by the German ENT doctor, Hermann Frenzel, for pilots of dive bombers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It allowed them to rapidly and repeatedly clear their ears during a steep dive. You basically close the airways going to the larynx and lungs, then using your tongue, throat and facial muscles to compress the air in those spaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This compressed air opens the Eustachian tubes. This method is much safer and requires less effort than the Valsalva Maneuver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does take more effort to learn how to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, it is the favorite method of many freedivers as it uses very little air and is easy to repeat if needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the basic steps to complete this maneuver. You may need more details and practice before you can fully do this task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n