![]() ![]() You can do things to help prevent ear barotrauma. Hearing loss (which may need a hearing aid)įollowing your healthcare provider’s advice about possible surgery or bed rest may help reduce your risk of these complications. But it sometimes causes symptoms that don’t go away, such as: Often the symptoms following ear barotrauma go away with time. What are possible complications of ear barotrauma? Your healthcare provider may also advise complete bed rest and keeping your head raised for some time. In rare cases, placing a ventilation tube in the eardrum may be advised Sometimes a tiny cut (incision) is made in the eardrum. Your healthcare provider might reconstruct the eardrum or the opening into the inner ear. You might need surgery if your ear barotrauma is severe. Nasal steroids and decongestants to reduce congestion around the eustachian tube opening You might need medicines for your ear barotrauma. But your eardrum might not heal normally if a blast caused the injury. Most injuries heal on their own with time, and most people’s symptoms will go away. You may not need any treatment if you get ear barotrauma. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. Your primary healthcare provider might first diagnose you and then refer you to an ear, nose, and throat healthcare provider (ENT or otolaryngologist) for treatment. Your provider can only make this diagnosis if you recently had changes in external pressure, such as from a recent scuba dive or an airplane flight. This may include an exam of the ear, as well as hearing and balance tests. Your healthcare provider can diagnose ear barotrauma with a health history and physical exam. Always see your healthcare provider for more information. The symptoms of ear barotrauma may seem like other health conditions or problems. These might cause additional symptoms, such as pain of the face or shortness of breath. ![]() Some situations that cause ear barotrauma may also damage the lungs and sinuses. Ear pain and hearing loss may occur over time if the pressure difference badly damaged your ear. A feeling of pressure in the ear is often a first symptom. You might have only mild symptoms, or your symptoms might be more severe. The most common symptoms of ear barotrauma may include:īleeding from the ears or into the middle ear Not using the correct scuba diving method can also raise your risk for ear barotrauma. You will have an increased risk if you have any of the above factors that can cause problems with the eustachian tube. For instance, military staff are more at risk from ear barotrauma due to explosions. These may include factors, such as:Įxposure to irritants, such as tobacco smokeĬertain hormonal changes (for instance, during pregnancy)Īny activity that causes large changes in the external pressure carries a risk of ear barotrauma. Anything that causes inflammation or fluid buildup in the area around the tube may cause it to not open normally. This condition happens when there is also a problem with the eustachian tube. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound healingīut most people in these situations don’t develop ear barotrauma. This pressure imbalance only happens in certain circumstances, such as: What causes ear barotrauma?Įar barotrauma results from a pressure imbalance between the inside of the ear and the outer environment. Air travel is also a common cause of ear barotrauma. People of all ages can have ear barotrauma. This might cause bleeding or other damage to the outer, middle, or inner ear. The eardrum separates the outer and middle ear. When that happens, the difference in pressure can damage the eardrum. Sometimes the eustachian tube can’t open normally when there are changes in pressure. This equalizes the pressure between the middle ear and the outside. If the external pressure is greater or less than the middle ear pressure, the eustachian tube should open. ![]() This tube stays closed most of the time.įor your hearing to work normally, the pressure inside the middle ear has to match the air pressure in your environment. It also contains the opening of the eustachian tube, which connects to an area behind the nose. It contains 3 small bones that help transmit sound. The middle ear is an air-filled space between the inner and outer parts of the ear. It can cause pain and sometimes lifelong (permanent) hearing loss. It is caused by pressure differences between the inside of the ear and the outside of the ear. ![]()
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