Toynbee and other equalization maneuvers

[martin2000]

I've done a couple of pool dives to about 5 meters/16 feet in my OW course and have had lots of trouble equalizing. The Valsalva maneuver didn't really seem to work for me but after trying lots of things, swallowing seemed to help a couple of times but I'm not sure that it did work every time. I'm now trying to figure out a sure-fire method before my next pool dive so I can be more confident about descending.

I read up on different equalization techniques on the DAN website and I'm trying to figure out if I one of the other ones works on me by trying them out sitting in front of the computer. A couple of questions:

(1) Do these maneuvers "work" on land? What am I supposed to feel if I do them correctly on land?

(2) The only maneuver that seems to do something for me on land is the Toynbee maneuver, but it feels like doing the Toynbee actually seems to blocks my ears. I can release this block by yawning or swallowing. This "block" sounds like the complete opposite of what the maneuver should be doing, am I correct or am I just misinterpreting the feeling? Should I try the Toynbee on my next pool dive?

 

[BlueTrin]

I had slight trouble equalising at first but moving the jaw a bit helps a lot. For some reason I do not need to move the jaw anymore although I sometimes do it as it is easier. On the website below it seems to be called the Edmonds method:
Beat the Squeeze: Equalize Like a Pro

I think when you are yawning or swallowing it helps to open the tubes.

Make sure you do it very gently and slowly rather than a strong short burst as you could hurt yourself. And try to do it often as you descend rather than waiting to feel it in the eardrums.

I wouldn’t try them on land if you are unsure about the amount of pressure but if I do it gently I can feel a bit of movement or air pressure in the ear.

 

[tursiops]

I've done a couple of pool dives to about 5 meters/16 feet in my OW course and have had lots of trouble equalizing. The Valsalva maneuver didn't really seem to work for me but after trying lots of things, swallowing seemed to help a couple of times but I'm not sure that it did work every time. I'm now trying to figure out a sure-fire method before my next pool dive so I can be more confident about descending.

I read up on different equalization techniques on the DAN website and I'm trying to figure out if I one of the other ones works on me by trying them out sitting in front of the computer. A couple of questions:

(1) Do these maneuvers "work" on land? What am I supposed to feel if I do them correctly on land?

(2) The only maneuver that seems to do something for me on land is the Toynbee maneuver, but it feels like doing the Toynbee actually seems to blocks my ears. I can release this block by yawning or swallowing. This "block" sounds like the complete opposite of what the maneuver should be doing, am I correct or am I just misinterpreting the feeling? Should I try the Toynbee on my next pool dive?

I too find Valsalva to be not helpful. Toynbee is much better for me, Frenzel works every time. Since the goal is to get some air into the middle ear, your description of "blocks my ears" may be exactly right! One trick that helps me: start with my head out of the water, then when it is just under, and stay ahead of any feeling of pressure on the ear drums. Once i feel that pressure, it is too late to clear.

 

[AustinV]

I had a lot of trouble with the Valsalva at first, then I learned to tilt my head to the side as if trying to touch my shoulder with my ear. Works flawlessly now. Also equalizing in surface and then before I feel any pressure makes a world of difference.