Do you ever do this before you listen?

You guys are just so full of information. I LOVE it!  

I know exactly what it's called. For it to be suggested as something to do before listening to music is nuts if you don't know how careful you have to be to do it. You're better off holding your nose closed and swallowing (frenzel). I don't care what eh air force taught you. To do it without proper instruction from a doctor is careless. 

Thank you for your service. 

It was my privilege.

@pjcoughter 

Thank you for your service Sir. 

I think we have all cleared our ears at one time or another, and if you have ever done it you already know how to be careful doing so. This goes without saying. Not sure why now that it’s suggested doing it before listening to music will all of a sudden cause you harm.  However it does make sense to take care when doing it. 

@barnettk: I tried what you suggested upon reading your original post, and it immediately plugged up my left ear! I should have read the rest of your and other contributors’ posts before trying it. Now, if I gently occlude my ear canals with the soft pads of my thumbs, I hear a persistent low rumbling sound. Removing my thumbs one at a time, the rumbling is only in my left ear. I might say, "Thanks a lot, friend!", but it’s on me for being a suggestible idiot. Your further posts were all outstanding.

@markmendenhall, @pjcoughter, @erik_squires, @jrpnde, and others: Thank you for your contributions to this discussion. The Wikipedia blurb on the valsalva maneuver shows someone doing it while puffing out his cheeks, which acts as a natural deterrent to overdoing it. (Those of us using Mac computers can highlight a word like valsalva and right click to get a definition and illustration from Wikipedia without leaving this page.)

@geoffkait I remember your "Ortho Ears," which were written up in Stereophile if I recall correctly, for listening to live symphonic music performances after spending the day wearing earplugs. Except for invoking a few giggles from players in the violin section of the orchestra, the combination of a day of protection followed by wearing Ortho Ears to the concert produced a vivid and most enjoyable listening experience for the writer.

I had severe doubts about the brain-eating amoeba story, but unless USA Today has taken to spoofing itself, it’s an extremely rare but possible occurrence.

Speaking of ear protection, I got a notice yesterday from B&H that the MP•9-15 Music•PRO Electronic Earplugs for Musicians from Etymotic Research are temporarily on sale for $40 off their usual price of $299. I’ve been wanting to try them for awhile, primarily to protect my ears during the day before doing some critical listening in the evening. Be sure to pick up a supply of #10 hearing aid batteries as well if you decide to try them.

I sure hope my left ear clears up on its own soon!

With kind regards,

Mark H.