Ear barotrauma

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Ear anatomy

Barotitis media; Barotrauma; Ear popping; Pressure-related ear pain; Eustachian tube dysfunction

To relieve ear pain or discomfort, first attempt to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure. Suck on candy, chew gum, or yawn. Or inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.

When flying, do not sleep during the descent. Frequently open the eustachian tube by these measures. Allow infants and children to nurse or sip a drink during descent.

Divers should descend and ascend slowly. Diving while you are suffering with allergies or a respiratory infection is dangerous, because barotrauma may be severe.

If self-care attempts are unsuccessful at relieving discomfort within a few hours, or if barotrauma is severe, medical intervention may be necessary.

Medications recommended may include decongestants taken by mouth or by a nose spray, antihistamines, or steroids. These medications may relieve nasal congestion and allow the eustachian tube to open. Antibiotics may prevent ear infection if barotrauma is severe.

If the tube will not open with other treatments, surgery may be necessary. An incision is made in the eardrum to allow pressure to equalize and fluid to drain (myringotomy). However, surgery is rarely necessary. Occasionally, tubes will be surgically placed in the eardrum if frequent altitude changes are unavoidable, or if you are susceptible to barotrauma.

Barotrauma is usually benign and responsive to self-care. Hearing loss is almost always temporary.

• Ruptured or perforated eardrum
• Acute ear infection
• Loss of hearing

Home care measures should be attempted first. If the discomfort of barotrauma is not relieved within a few hours, call for an appointment with the health care provider.

Call your provider if new symptoms develop in a person with barotrauma, especially fever, severe ear pain, or drainage from the ear.

Review Date: 10/20/2006
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.