How To Pop Ears Safely

Frenzel Maneuver

The Frenzel maneuver is a technique for equalizing the pressure in the middle ear. This ear-popping technique is most practiced by free divers, scuba divers, and pilots. The Frenzel maneuver is performed by blocking the nasal cavity, usually by a nose clip or pinching of the nostrils. Then the individual fills their mouth up with air, closes it, and maneuvers their tongue in the same way they would if they make a letter k sound. Some find it easier to make clicking sounds with their tongue to push the air into their eustachian tubes. The Frenzel maneuver is deemed to be somewhat safer than other ear-popping techniques because it carries the lowest risk of placing too much pressure on the inner or middle ear. This technique of equalizing the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum also does not interrupt venous return to the heart. Although it may be one of the safest ear-popping techniques, it is one of the more challenging ones to learn how to perform and may require some practice before it is effective.

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