Equalization problems & Tonsils?

[donmoore]

I have been doing some research on tonsils problems and equalization problems. This is because of my ability to equalize easy in the upright position, but not in the vertical. I have discovered there is a tonsil called Pharyngeal tonsil which is located right above and next too Eustachian Tubes (also called the auditory tubes) where they enter the Pharynx. The Pharynegal tonsil when infected and enlarged is called the Adenoids which are also the second most common surgery removed tonsil. Many times both a Palatine tonsil and adenoid is removed in a tonsillectomy.

The medical stuff I have read definitely says Eustachian Tubes dysfunction can be caused by Adenoids. Now the question is can it cause vertical closure of the tubes? My theory is that the Eustachian Tubes are flexible and soft so if the Adenoid is enlarged and hard and located directly above it then when I get vertical it lays on the Adenoid which closes them.

Anyone heard anything about this or have an opinion or experience with Adenoid removal and Eustachian Tubes?
Don

 

[efattah]

Common problem

Most people can equalize upright just fine, but not inverted. I am one of those people. Valsalva works for me when I am upright, but not when I'm upside down. I have never had any tonsils removed. The solution was to learn a different method of equalizing (Frenzel technique). You can learn the technique here:
http://www.ericfattah.com/equalizing.html


Eric Fattah
BC, Canada

 

[unirdna]

Excellent how-to manual eric. Thanks for sharing it with us. I found the soft palate portion particularly helpful.

Ted

 

[donmoore]

Eric,
I’m glad to hear someone as skilled and knowledgeable as you has trouble equalizing head down. I agree your Frenzel article is excellent and I would like to believe that the mastering of this technique is all I need, but unfortunately experience has shown different. I have printed your article out twice in the last 6 months, and followed the instructions and practice the technique thoroughly. I can do the Frenzel, hand free, quite easy now, upright. I’m serious about mastering this and even have an inversion machine that I have spent hours on in an attempt to equalize vertical.

In studying this and in personal experience I have come to find out that contrary to most divers believe, that overstretching of the Eustachian Tubes is not good. There is a medical condition called Patulous Eustachian Tube or PET for short. This condition is when the Eustachian Tubes do not close naturally on the Pharynx end. Normally Pharynx 2/3 end of the Eustachian Tubes is closed except for equalization, swallowing etc. The most definite symptom of this is the ability to hear ones breath at the eardrums. Other systems are a slight humming and a slight hearing loss.

All the equalization practice has done for me so far is give me PET. I believe there is a physical problem. I’m going to a specialist tomorrow to see if he can shed any light.
Don

 

[efattah]

Frenzel

The frenzel technique cannot be done hands free. If you are equalizing hands free, you are performing the BTV technique (french for something like beance tubaire volontaire).

I can't equalize hands free under any conditions. If you pinch your nose and perform the proper frenzel, you should be able to generate enough pressure with your tongue to blow out your eardrums! (please don't do that!)

It is this huge 'reserve' of power in the tongue that allows the frenzel technique to overcome even the most difficult of ears. When using the full force of the frenzel, your tongue will become nearly exhausted from the tremendous muscular contraction it must exert against the air in your sinuses.


Eric Fattah
BC, Canada

 

[donmoore]

Thanks Eric,
I will print out your article and try again.
Don

 

[loopy]

Agree

Yup, I've gotta agree with big bad Eric here... I had the same problem, and a combination fixed it for me. Basically, before the frenzel, I suck in my cheeks, then blow them out and push out my bottom jaw. Just before my cheeks are full, do the frenzel and it works first time every time, it's really good.