Definition
A maneuver used to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the surrounding atmosphere by closing the mouth, pinching the nostrils shut, and gently blowing as if trying to exhale through the closed nose. This forces air up the eustachian tube into the middle ear, balancing the pressure on either side of the eardrum.
Plain English
A simple trick to clear your ears: pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow. You'll feel your ears 'pop' as the pressure equalizes.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter this term when learning about ear discomfort or pressure problems caused by altitude changes.
Derivation
Named after Antonio Maria Valsalva, a 17th-century Italian anatomist who studied the ear and described this method of clearing the middle ear. Knowing it's a person's name (not a technical word) prevents readers from trying to decode the term itself.
Why Pilots Care
Failure to equalize pressure can cause pain, temporary hearing loss, or barotrauma that may ground a pilot.
Grounding Statement
During descent, outside air pressure increases, and the Valsalva technique can help the pressure inside the ears catch up.
Intuition Check
Do not think of this as a hard blow. In aviation use, the Valsalva technique means gentle pressure to help equalize the ears, not forcing air aggressively.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching pattern altitude, the pilot felt pressure building in his ears and used the Valsalva technique to equalize.
Example Sentence 2
During a rapid climb the student performed the Valsalva technique every few hundred feet to keep sinus pressure comfortable.