There are different pressurization maneuvers, but the Valsalva method is the best known. This maneuver consists of closing the air outlets like the mouth and nose (pinch your nostrils), and blowing gently after that. In this way, air can only go towards the ears. When the diver hears a “faint pop”, he knows he has managed to open the Eustachian tubes and compensate the ears.
Valsalva maneuver disadvantages.
If the Eustachian tubes are already closed because of the pressure, the Valsalva maneuver may not be effective. It is because the maneuver does not activate Eustachian tubes’ muscles to work by themselves. It just pushes against them with air.
– Some damage to the ear is possible if too much force is used to compensate.
– It can lead to a broken tympanic membrane and loss of hearing.
We have collected ten useful tips for you to avoid all these troubles.