Avoid wearing earplugs while diving or flying.Exhale through your nose during an ascent in altitude.Swallow, yawn and chew gum if you feel barotrauma symptoms coming on.Take antihistamines or decongestants before scuba diving or flying on a plane.Steps you can take to lessen or prevent ear barotrauma include: This may or may not be a permanent solution. The most common type here is ear tubes, which are most commonly used in children and can help prevent infections from barotrauma.Īnother surgical operation involves a tiny slit in the eardrum to allow pressure to equalize while removing fluid present. In other severe or chronic cases, surgery might be necessary. In severe cases, you may be prescribed an antibiotic or steroid to help with infection or inflammation. Here are a few self-care methods to relieve pressure: If there are no significant findings in the physical exam, your reporting of symptoms and the situation that caused them will give clues for diagnosis.Įar barotrauma can often be managed without medical assistance. This could include air squeezed into the ear, or a close look with an otoscope. If you have ear pain or decreased hearing, contact your doctor for treatment.Ī medical exam might be required to rule out an ear infection and confirm ear barotrauma. Chronic dizziness and feelings of unbalance (vertigo).However, complications may arise in certain severe or chronic cases, including: Moderate to severe hearing loss or difficultyĮar barotrauma is usually temporary, and will generally clear up fairly quickly.If barotrauma is allowed to progress long enough without treatment, or if the case is severe, additional symptoms may include: Uncomfortable pressure inside the ear or general ear discomfort.Symptoms of ear barotrauma in mild or moderate cases may include: Colds, allergies and active infections may make it more likely, and infants and young children can be at risk due to smaller eustachian tubes that become blocked more easily. While hiking or driving through mountainsĪny issue that may block the eustachian tubes can put you at risk for barotrauma, however.While scuba diving (the first 14 feet is often the biggest risk).Airplane ear: During the descent or ascent of an airplane.Here are the situations that might cause this: Symptoms of barotrauma develop because pressure inside the ear is different than pressure outside the ear. Occasional ear barotrauma is common, particularly when altitude changes are at play, but frequent cases may lead to complications. Ear barotrauma occurs when the eustachian tube, which connects the middle of the ear to the throat and nose, is blocked. The medical term for this is ear barotrauma, a condition that causes ear discomfort due to pressure changes. People who dive underwater or go climbing at high altitudes may also have experience with this sensation. Most people who have spent time on an airplane in the past will recall feelings of changing pressure in the ears as the plane gained or lost altitude.
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