Ear barotrauma is a condition of pain and discomfort in the ear caused by pressure differences between the inside and the outside of the eardrum especially while take of and landing.
Causes
The air pressure in the middle ear is usually the same as the air pressure outside of the body. The Eustachian tube is a connection between the middle ear and the back of the nose and upper throat. Swallowing or yawning opens the Eustachian tube and allows air to flow into or out of the middle ear, equalizing the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. If the Eustachian tube is blocked, as in cold, the air pressure in the middle ear is different than the pressure on the outside of the eardrum, causing barotrauma.
Many people experience barotrauma at some time. Barotrauma commonly occurs with altitude changes, such as with flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains. If you have a congested nose from allergies, colds, or upper respiratory infection, barotrauma is more likely.
Symptoms
Pain in one or both ears at times can be severe. Feeling of pressure in the ears
Hearing loss, Sensation of fullness or stuffiness in the ears and dizziness
Nosebleed also can occur.
On examination
During an inspection of the ear, there may be a slight outward bulge or inward retraction of the eardrum. If the condition is severe, there may be blood behind the eardrum. Severe barotrauma may be difficult to distinguish from ear infection. There can be perforation of the ear drum.
Treatment
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.
Flying 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 (Myringotomy) may be necessary. An incision is made in the eardrum to allow pressure to equalize and fluid to drain. 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 like in frequent flyers and military pilots who gets recurrent Barotrauma.
Prognosis
Barotrauma is usually benign and responsive to self-care. Hearing loss is almost always temporary.
Prevention
Nasal decongestants or antihistamines may be used before altitude changes. Try to avoid altitude changes during upper respiratory infections or attacks of allergies.
Use decongestant Nasal drops half an hour before take off and landing. A decongestant tablet taken before flying also help.
