Everyone knows this feeling, whether on a plane, in the mountains or while diving: An unpleasant feeling of pressure in the ear. Correct pressure balance in the ear is of great importance for our health. If the pressure in the middle ear is not properly balanced, various problems can occur, such as an uncomfortable feeling of pressure, tinnitus, hearing loss or even deafness. For this reason, it is important to understand how pressure is created in the ear and what can be done to reduce it. Normally, pressure is relieved by swallowing without us having to consciously focus on it. But why does pressure equalization not work properly in some people? How does pressure equalization work in general and what can be done to improve its function?
Pressure compensation problems are manifested by an unpleasant to painful feeling of pressure in the ear. Often, this feeling of pressure is accompanied by reduced hearing performance, described by sufferers as a “absorbent cotton feeling” or “dull hearing.” In some cases, ear pressure may also be accompanied by dizziness, ringing in the ears or ear pain.
Ear pressure can affect you in a number of ways, causing an uncomfortable feeling in your ear. The feeling described varies from person to person and may include the symptoms listed below.
Ear pressure is often manifested by an unpleasant painful sensation.
Good pressure balance in the ear is essential to our health, otherwise long-term problems such as tinnitus, hearing loss and deafness can occur. However, we can make our ears work well and avoid discomfort by understanding the causes and applying appropriate solutions.
Ear pressure disorders occur when the pressure difference between the inner ear and the environment cannot be equalized. Ear pressure occurs when the Eustachian tube is closed. The Eustachian tube, also known as the tuba or ear tube, connects tympanic cavity of the middle ear to the nasopharynx and provides pressure equalization. If it is blocked, e.g. due to allergies or swelling, the pressure balance can be disturbed.
The ear consists of the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The middle ear is located behind the eardrum and contains the ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes). There is a pressure difference between the middle ear and the space in front of the eardrum. The space in front of the eardrum is connected to the outside air, while the space behind the eardrum is filled with air. To equalize the pressure, the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharynx, the Eustachian tube, must be open.
Pressure equalization is usually accomplished by swallowing. When swallowing, the tongue moves in coordination with the soft palate. This opens the Eustachian tube and allows air exchange between the mouth and middle ear. This equalizes the pressure in the ear. It is important for sufficient opening of the Eustachian tube that the swallowing process is performed correctly and forcefully.
Divers in particular depend on a functioning pressure equalization. When diving, water pressure increases with depth, resulting in increased pressure in the inner ear. Insufficient pressure equalization can result in damage to the eardrum or barotrauma with pain, dizziness and hearing loss. To avoid hearing problems, master necessary pressure equalization techniques and use them regularly.
Ear pressure and difficulty balancing pressure can be triggered by a variety of factors and lead to uncomfortable ear discomfort.
If the pressure balance in the ear is not working properly, various measures can be taken to relieve the discomfort and improve the function of the eustachian tube:
Regular practice with the FaceFormer trains the swallowing process and counteracts pressure equalization disorders of the ear.
The most lasting measure to counteract pressure equalization disorders in the middle ear is FaceFormer therapy.
The most lasting measure to counteract pressure equalization disorders in the middle ear is FaceFormer therapy.
FaceFormer therapy helps by specifically exercising the muscles in the mouth and throat. Through regular exercises with the FaceFormer, the correct movement sequences are learned, the muscles involved are strengthened and their finely tuned coordination is improved. This helps to ensure that the swallowing process is performed correctly and powerfully and leads to sufficient opening of the Eustachian tube. Improved function of the Eustachian tube allows for better equalization of pressure in the ear.
People for whom pressure compensation does not function properly can learn to gain better control over the pressure in the ear by means of FaceFormer Training through targeted strengthening of the musculature and practice of the correct movement sequence, thus effectively alleviating their complaints.
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