valsalva clearing

Question
I lost my hearing in my left ear this was on my 60' dive.
I cleared the right and came back up to equalize the other.
Finished the dive. The left ear lost hearing. Went to a ENT Dr. Said I had trama to the iner ear. Now on steroids. What is the valsalva clearing? Didnt here about this in classes.
Thanks
Captain Fred

Answer
Hi Fred,

I actually answered this one just minutes after you asked it, but the AllExperts system was down.

Valsalva is just the fancy name for clearing your ears by pinching your nose and gently blowing to equalize the pressure.  Forcing it can cause inner ear damage.  Inner ear damage sucks.  Don't force a valsalva clear.  If you cannot clear, get back on the boat.  Clear before you get off the boat, clear at the surface, clear early all the way down.

saludos,
James