I realize that this is way too much information, and provided for reference purposes only. You should allways consult your Physician when you have problems with your ears while diving. Many divers and potential new divers should be aware of these methods, so even if they can't do the common nose pinch (Valsalva) they can still comfortably clear their ears using one of these methods and enjoy scuba diving.
Most new divers have trouble with the technique, not anatomy. In a very few individuals allergies, acute or chronic infection or nasal polyps may play a role. By far the most common reason however is inadequate pressurization of the middle ears due to a lack of basic understanding of the mechanisms involved. To prevent Middle ear barotrauma, which is the most frequent diving injury.
There are Many different movements listed below that can be done to clear the ears:
THE VALSALVA MANEUVER(pressurization)(Most commonly
Taught)-With the nostrils pinched closed, pressure is increased in the chest. An attempt is made to blow out the closed nostrils and cheek muscles are kept tight and retracted, not puffed out.
THE FRENZEL MANEUVER (preferred pressurization) -The nostrils are pinched closed and an effort is made to make a "K" or guttural "guh" sound. By doing this you raise the back 1/3 of the tongue and the "Adams Apple" will elevate. For this reason this technique is nicknamed the "throat piston". A diver is actually making a piston out of the back of the tongue, pushing it upward. This maneuver compresses air in the back of the throat and the pressurization effort can be seen in the fleshy tissues of the nose. Practice the technique by watching the nose inflate and by watching the "Adams Apple" move up and down.
THE TOYNBEE MANEUVER- The technique is to pinch nostrils shut while swallowing. The muscles in the back of the throat pull open the Eustachian tube and allow air to equalize if a gradient is presentdifficult for the novice diver, especially while breathing dry . Swallowing can be airfor rapid descent as there is no margin for error if the . This technique is not recommended Eustachian tube does not equalize on first effort. If a middle ear squeeze is already occurring, it will be more difficult for the Eustachian tube to be pulled open.
THE BEANCE TUBAIRE VOLUNTAIRE (BTV)- Muscles of the soft palate are contracted while upper throat muscles are employed to pull the Eustachian tube open. This technique is similar to the events that happen in the back of your throat at the end of a yawn. It is also similar to wiggling your ears, and some people seem to be born with the talent, but many cannot master the technique reliably.
THE ROYDHOUSE MANEUVER (Read through my Medical Mumbo
Jumbo: Try to blow a imaginary smoke ring)- This technique is similar to the BTV except that there is an additional method for contracting the muscles in their proper order in the back of the throat. Raise up and tilt forward the uvula. The uvula is the small, fleshy protuberance hanging down from the soft palate in the back of your throat and it can be seen in the mirror. If you watch the soft palate and train the uvula to raise up and tilt forward, half of the technique is mastered. The second part is to tense the muscles of the tongue as to cause the crackling sensation of Eustachian tube opening to occur. Often a jaw thrust can help make this maneuver more effective, and if the technique for "BLOWING SMOKE RINGS" was ever mastered, this is another good training maneuver which teaches you to recognize the muscles necessary to pull open the Eustachian tube.
THE EDMONDS TECHNIQUE (pressurization)- This is accomplished by either the Valsalva or the Frenzel maneuver and can be combined with jaw thrust or head tilt to more effectively open the Eustachian tube.
THE LOWRY TECHNIQUE (pressurization)- To accomplish this do a Valsalva combined with a swallow. Coordination and practice is required to pinch nostrils, build up pressure and swallow at the same time but the technique is very effective once it is mastered.
THE TWITCH (pressurization)- This involves pinching nostrils with a moderate pressure in the back of the throat. Generation of pressure is again by either Valsalva or Frenzel Technique. Instead of swallowing as in the Toynbee Maneuver, the head is suddenly "twitched" sideways. Tension in the throat muscles helps to make this a more effective maneuver.
In conclusion there is much that
can be done to help an individual learn safe middle ear
equalization practices, but don't forget to look for the obvious.
A person with cold symptoms should not dive until the cold has
cleared and the Eustachian tube clearly pops with a swallow. I
always use a Jaw thrust, combined with a swallow myself. Remember
to allways consult a Physician and never take a chance, Its better
to cancel a dive and end your trip, than to ruin your ears for
life.
Happy Diving,
JeDz
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