Summary: Barotrauma Of The Ear

Barotrauma of the Ear
Dina Shipper
Lehman College

Barotrauma is an injury due to failure of pressure equalization of an air-filled space with its surrounding environment (Bentz, B. G., & Hughes, C. A). Barotrauma most often occurs in air travel and scuba diving. Barotrauma may also be the result of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, an oxygen treatment used for patients with serious infections or wounds (Heyboer, 2014). Barotrauma can affect any air-filled space within the body such as the ears, face and lungs. In this paper, I will focus on barotrauma as it relates to the ear.
Pressure differences between the environment and the inner ear can cause barotrauma. The most common barotrauma injury occurs during diving and flying when
They are made of the two thinnest membranes in the body. If the pressure difference is very great, the oval window can also rupture. This results in fluid from the inner ear leaking into the middle ear. Hearing loss or vertigo occurring during a descent scuba diving can be a result of a leak. Two mechanisms are theorized to explain inner ear barotrauma: the “implosive” and the “explosive” mechanisms.
The implosive mechanism theory involves clearing of the middle ear during descent. The pressure in the middle ear causes the tympanic membrane to bulge inward. This in turn causes the ossicles to be pushed in toward the inner ear at the oval window. This pressure is sent through the fluid of the inner ear and causes the round window to bulge outward. If a diver performs a forceful Politzer maneuver, the eustachian tube will open. This causes the pressure in the middle ear to increase. The ossicles will suddenly return to their normal positions, causing the round window to
There are some actions one can do for some relief. One can help alleviate the effects pressure by yawning, chewing gum or certain breathing exercises. Sometimes taking nasal decongestants can help. In some extreme cases, a physician may prescribe an antibiotic or a steroid if there is an infection or inflammation. As mentioned earlier, sometimes ear barotrauma can result in a ruptured tympanic membrane. A ruptured tympanic membrane can take up to two months to heal. Symptoms that aren’t alleviated with any of these steps to may require surgery to prevent permanent damage to the tympanic membrane.
Surgery may be the best option for treatment for cases of sever or chronic barotrauma. Chronic cases of ear barotrauma may be aided with the help of ear tubes, a procedure called a myringotomy. Small tubes are placed through the tympanic membrane to allow for the air to flow into the middle of the ear. Ear tubes can assist in preventing infections associated with ear barotrauma. The ear tube will typically remain in place for six to 12 months (Bentz, B. G., & Hughes, C.