Abstract: An apparatus for equalizing pressure in a middle ear includes a hand held air source for providing a continuous flow of air at a predetermined rate and a tapered sealing nostril plug adapted to be inserted into a nostril. The tapered nostril plug has a channel therethrough for delivering the continuous flow of air. The channel of the tapered plug is adapted to be placed in communication with the air source, and a controller is coupled to the air source to limit the pressure provided at the channel of the nostril plug to substantially no more than 3.0 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: An apparatus for equalizing pressure in a middle ear including a compressor, activating means coupled to the compressor, the activating means having a closed state and an open state, the open state providing a continuous flow of air from the compressor at a predetermined pressure, and a tapered nostril plug in communication with the compressor, the nostril plug having a distal opening for delivering the continuous flow of air, the predetermined pressure being in the range of approximately 0.5 p.s.i. to approximately 3.0 p.s.i.