Do you ever do this before you listen?


Hello everyone. I was at an audio store today with a friend that was auditioning a pair of speakers and the salesman told us to clear our ears by pinching the nose then blowing through your nose to make the ears pop (clearing them). I have to admit the music sounded  so much better lol. It makes perfect sense why you would want to do this, but I had just never thought of it. So I thought I would see who else is doing this, and maybe discover some other new tricks. SO what strange things do you do routinely before a listing session? (I know thats a loaded question to ask of this group)
barnettk
I have found several medical websites that discuss using this very process to clear pressure form the inner ear. However there are other methods mentioned as well so for those interested below are a few links. each of which by the way recommend using the Valsalva method. 

 
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-unclog-ears#middle-ear

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-water-out-of-your-ear#removing-the-water (see step 10)

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/stuffy-ears-sinuses#1

https://www.wikihow.com/Unclog-the-Inner-Ear-or-Eustachian-Tube
So I guess snorting water straight outa the tap is a no-no?

That's pretty much correct. Unless you are totally OK with your brain getting eaten by an amoeba.

Boil it properly or use distilled from the pharmacy. Distilled is best because if you use the salt packets you get the right mix. Tap water can contain enough minerals to throw that balance off.

Of course, having not quite the right amount of salts in the water isn't nearly as bad as giving amoeba's a very short path to your gray matter. Yum yum.
Best,
E
Wish there was a Valsalva method for the eyes...we could then make have NFL refs do it.. Sorry Saints Fans. 
Too true, bro'. Apparently, Robey-Colman would have to have shot the receiver to draw a flag...