The outside portion of the ear, the pinna, is composed primarily of ridged cartilage covered by skin. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and middle ear barotrauma (MEBT) remain the most common complication of diving and clinical hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO). Otic Barotrauma (OBT) or ear barotrauma is a tissue injury to the ear secondary to inadequate pressure equalization between gas-filled body spaces and the external environment.
Review the importance of improving care coordination amongst interprofessional team members to improve outcomes for patients affected by ear barotrauma. Summarize the management of ear barotrauma. Review the pathophysiology of ear barotrauma. Describe the etiology of ear barotrauma. This activity reviews the pathophysiology of ear barotrauma and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in its management. 
Significant barotrauma (BT) may be associated with permanent complications such as hearing and balance deficits thus prevention and recognition of ETD and BT remain important when evaluating for the hyperbaric environment and treating a pressure-related injury. Know the location of the nearest recompression chamber.ĭo you suffer from barotrauma? If you’re planning a vacation or if these symptoms have been triggered by a recent event, visit the UPMC Ear, Nose, and Throat website to schedule an appointment and learn more.Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and middle ear barotrauma (MEBT) remain the two most common complications of SCUBA diving, commercial diving, and clinical hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO).Exhale freely while coming back up to the surface.
After diving, avoid flying or going to a higher altitude for the next 24 hours.Make sure you are in good health before diving.
If possible, postpone your flight if you have a cold or are feeling congested. Get filtered ear plugs, which will slowly equalize the air pressure against your eardrum. Do not let a baby sleep during descent. Take a decongestant pill or nasal spray before the flight. Avoid sleeping while the plane is landing to make sure that you are swallowing enough. Relieve pressure by chewing gum, yawning, sucking on candy, and breathing with your mouth open. Listed below are some of the prevention tips to use when flying or scuba diving that can reduce your chances of getting barotrauma. To prevent yourself from experiencing an uncomfortable vacation this summer try taking precautions before you travel to your favorite vacation spot. RELATED: What Makes Your Nose Bleed? Prevention However, you may need to contact your doctor if you still have symptoms after a few hours. Medications, such as decongestants, can help relieve pain caused from sinus barotrauma. It may lead to a severe sinus infection if you are also experiencing a cold or nasal congestion. Pain around your cheek bones or above your eyes. Sinus barotrauma occurs when there is a difference in pressure between the air in the sinuses and the pressure outside.Ĭommon symptoms of sinus barotrauma include: Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the bone around the nose. These tools relieve pressure by forcing air through the blocked tube and can possibly open it.Ĭontact your doctor if symptoms do not go away in a few hours, or if the barotrauma is severe. However, you can relieve pressure on your own by sucking on candy, chewing gum, yawning, or inhaling and gently exhaling through your nose while pinching your nostrils shut. Medications such as decongestants can help with these symptoms. This can happen if you are flying in an airplane, driving in the mountains, or even scuba diving.Ĭommon symptoms of ear barotrauma include: 
Your ears can begin to hurt due to a change in altitude. Ear barotrauma most commonly affects the middle ear, which has a pocket of air that is sensitive to changes in air pressure.
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