A tiny slit (myringotomy) may be made into the eardrum to allow the pressure to equalize and to remove any fluid present in the middle ear. Oral or nasal decongestants as well as nasal corticosteroid sprays are sometimes prescribed to help open the Eustachian tubes, and antihistamines may be recommended if allergies are the cause.įor long-term or severe cases, two surgical options are available. If it is linked to upper respiratory infections or allergies, symptoms generally improve when the cold or allergies have resolved. Most cases of ear barotrauma will resolve spontaneously without any treatment, but it is difficult to predict how long the recovery time will be. Several treatment options aimed at improving ET dysfunction (ETD) may be recommended depending on the severity of the symptoms. Such displacement of the stapes (hearing bone closest to the inner ear) can cause inner ear concussion or formation of a perilymph fistula – resulting in varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss and dizziness. More severe ear barotrauma can result in development of fluid under an intact eardrum, acute tympanic membrane rupture or inward displacement of the ossicular chain (hearing bones). Mild symptoms include ear pain or fullness, plugged/muffled hearing and a sense of being off-balance. Most people have experienced mild ear barotrauma at some point in their lives, typically with altitude changes, driving in the mountains or scuba diving. Ear barotrauma occurs when the Eustachian Tube fails to equalize acute changes in pressure, resulting in a variety of possible signs/symptoms. The primary function of the ET is to equalize pressure between the middle ear (space under the eardrum) and the external environment (nasopharynx). The Eustachian tube (ET) opens and closes during chewing, yawning and swallowing. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners.

Barotrauma ear