Pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane

At the first signs of serious ear diseases, you should consult a specialist and begin an immediate comprehensive course of treatment. Systemic and local use of drugs in combination with physiotherapy (massages, washings, blowing, warming up and compresses) will have a positive effect on the hearing organ. One of the best manipulations during the treatment of otitis and other diseases of the ears is the pneumatic massage of the eardrum.

About modern methods and varieties of pneumomassage

Pneumomassage is a type of massage procedure during which low and high air pressure alternates in the head area. This pressure has a massaging effect, improves trophism, normalizes blood circulation, improves tissue metabolism, neutralizes inflammation, promotes the resorption of adhesions and scars. The treatment technique is also called vacuum or air and is used in numerous areas of modern medicine and cosmetology.

To date, 4 pneumatic massage procedures are known: the first is compression (it is advisable to carry out to stimulate blood circulation, relieve fatigue, reduce swelling and increase vascular tone in the legs), the second is anti-cellulite (performed using an electric massager with suction cups that form a vacuum), the third – infrasound (appointed to improve vision, reduce inflammatory foci, normalize pressure inside the eyes), the fourth – air (widely used by otolaryngologists to restore the mobility of the eardrum).

Features of pneumatic massage of the tympanic membrane

During pressure drops, the tympanic membrane of the ear begins to move, stimulation of the muscle that leads to the auditory canal is observed. Massage procedures for eardrum therapy help to reduce congestion that occurs in the organ.

If a person has inflammation that has affected various parts of the hearing organ, there is a risk of adhesions and scarring, which in the future can interfere with the mobility of the membrane and cause hearing loss and even deafness. The technique effectively fights not only with symptoms, but also with serious diseases of the organ.

Indications and contraindications pneumomassage

The treatment procedure is carried out for indications: acute otitis media, tubo-otitis, inflammation, the presence of serous fluid in the ear cavity, residual syndrome (occurs as a result of inflammatory processes), adhesive inflammation of the middle ear, adhesions in the tympanic cavity. It is advisable to prescribe manipulation for sensorineural hearing loss and after surgical intervention to improve hearing.

Pneumatic massage therapy contraindications: purulent and inflammatory processes in the organ (no manipulation is carried out, since its effect can cause pus to spill into the ear cavity) and barotrauma (ear tissue damage is caused by sudden changes in pressure, for example, when flying on an airplane or diving).

Variation of the procedure

The tympanic membrane can be massaged with a special apparatus that runs on electricity or with a Politzer rubber balloon with a connecting tube and a funnel. You can also positively affect the eardrum with a manual massage.

One of the very first mechanical devices for massaging the eardrum was Delstanshk. This is a special pump that has a handle that starts moving when you press it with your finger. As a result of the movements, air with negative or positive pressure is formed, which causes the membrane to move. Other models of devices are equipped with a wheel that rotates and also creates pressure.

Modern devices for pneumatic massage are powered by electricity and have a standard range of characteristics. The mass of the device ranges from 1 to 1,5 kilograms, it has two flexible connecting tubes with roundish tips that are inserted into the ear cavity. By means of the device bilateral and unilateral massage procedures are carried out.

Modern devices provide for a pressure surge, so baropulses increase gradually so that a person does not feel pain and discomfort. The device has a timer that allows you to set the duration of the manipulation. The maximum duration of pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane is 10 minutes.

Manual methods include the use of a rubber bulb with an elastic tube. Pressure is formed by squeezing the Politzer balloon with your hands. The procedure is also effective when closing the auricles with both palms (you need to alternate tight pressing with an interval of several seconds). With the help of a pear, any person can carry out manipulation at home. This technique is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the organ of hearing.

Features of the technique of performing pneumatic massage in a hospital

To perform a massage procedure, the doctor uses a compressor. In carrying out the manipulation, the doctor is assisted by paramedical personnel. Before starting the massage, the device is disinfected with distilled water and its serviceability is checked.

Carrying out pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane:

• the patient sits down at the table, on which there is a checked and serviceable compressor;
• the specialist sets the time of the procedure, the frequency and amplitude of the pulses on the timer;
• a tube tip is inserted into the hearing organ (it must completely cover the ear canal);
• the doctor turns on the device using the “Start” button.

If the patient becomes ill or feels unwell, this should be reported to the medical staff. With sensations of pain and discomfort in the ears, the doctor regulates the amplitude and frequency of exposure to the device. It is also possible to terminate the manipulation early if the patient complains.

When the timer runs out, the compressor automatically turns off and an audible signal sounds. The medical staff removes the tubes from the patient’s ears. The course of therapy usually takes from 5 to 10 sessions. Massage should be done every day or at one-day intervals. During the first manipulations, the frequency and amplitude of the pulses are set to the minimum, then increased.

Massage procedures using a pear are performed by an otolaryngologist. The device is also disinfected and tips are inserted into the ear cavity. The doctor begins to squeeze the balloon with his hands from 15 to 30 times in 1 manipulation. The duration of treatment varies from 7 to 10 sessions. During pneumomassage, the attending physician is obliged to monitor the intensity of exposure in order to prevent injury to the tissues of the ear.

How to do pneumomassage at home?

Only a person who has been previously trained by the doctor can carry out the procedure at home. During the massage of the eardrum, the hands should be dry, warm and clean. For manual pneumatic massage, you need to tightly close your ears with your palms so that air does not enter.

You should gently press on the auricles, provoking oxygen pressure, every few seconds. The frequency and force of pressing must be adjusted so that the person does not feel discomfort and pain. You must perform at least 10 clicks. For the prevention of diseases, 1 session per day is enough, for the purpose of treatment – from 2 to 3 procedures.

Also effective is self-massage of the eardrums using a breathing technique. You need to take a deep breath in, then pinch your nostrils with your fingers. With your mouth closed and your nostrils closed, you should carefully try to exhale oxygen through the nasal opening. Then you need to swallow the air, and if everything is done correctly, a champing sound will appear.

About the benefits and positive results of pneumomassage

Benefits of the procedure: increases the mobility and elasticity of the eardrum; the muscles associated with the eardrum are strengthened; increases the mobility of the auditory bones; the development of hearing loss is prevented; the likelihood of congestive and inflammatory processes is reduced.

Other positive results of pneumatic massage are the prevention of the formation of adhesions and scars, manipulation promotes the resorption of adhesions, inflammation resolves, an outflow of serous fluid accumulated in the ear cavity is observed.