Which term describes the technique of pinching the nose and gently exhaling to relieve ear pressure?

Which term describes the technique of pinching the nose and gently exhaling to relieve ear pressure?

• A. Epley maneuver
• B. Heimlich maneuver
• C. Frenotomy
• D. Valsalva method

Answer: (D)

This describes the Valsalva maneuver, which is used to equalize pressure in the middle ear. Pinching the nose and gently exhaling with the mouth closed increases pressure in the nasopharynx, pushing air through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear. When air enters the middle ear, the pressures on both sides of the eardrum balance, alleviating the sense of fullness or pain from altitude or depth changes. It’s most helpful during airplane takeoffs and landings or when your ears feel blocked. Do this gently to avoid ear damage, and avoid it if you have an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or recent ear surgery. The other options aren’t about relieving ear pressure: one is used to treat vertigo by repositioning inner-ear crystals, another for choking, and another is a procedure to release tight tissue under the tongue.

This describes the Valsalva maneuver, which is used to equalize pressure in the middle ear. Pinching the nose and gently exhaling with the mouth closed increases pressure in the nasopharynx, pushing air through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear. When air enters the middle ear, the pressures on both sides of the eardrum balance, alleviating the sense of fullness or pain from altitude or depth changes. It’s most helpful during airplane takeoffs and landings or when your ears feel blocked. Do this gently to avoid ear damage, and avoid it if you have an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or recent ear surgery. The other options aren’t about relieving ear pressure: one is used to treat vertigo by repositioning inner-ear crystals, another for choking, and another is a procedure to release tight tissue under the tongue.