What can cause inner ear barotrauma?

Scuba diving and air travel are common causes of ear barotrauma. This condition occurs when there is also a problem with your eustachian tubes. Symptoms can include ear pain, ringing in the ears, dizziness, ear bleeding, and hearing loss. Symptoms are often short-term (temporary).

How long does inner ear barotrauma take to heal?

If barotrauma is caused by allergies or respiratory infections, it will often be resolved when the underlying cause has been resolved. Mild to moderate cases take an average of up to two weeks for a full recovery. Severe cases can take six to 12 months for a full recovery after surgery.

How do you treat inner ear barotrauma?

Treatment

1. Chewing gum, sucking on a lozenge, swallowing, or yawning. Using the mouth helps to open up the eustachian tube.
2. Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant, antihistamine, or both.
3. Stopping a diving descent at the first sign of ear discomfort to allow time for equalizing.

Can an ENT remove a cyst?

During the procedure, the ENT surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the skin over the cyst, remove the cyst, then close the incision. In sensitive areas, such as the face or brow, we can often hide the incision in the hairline or eyebrow.

What causes pain in the ear with barotrauma?

This stretches the eardrum and causes pain and occasionally fluid. The common cold, sinus infections, and nasal allergies can also interfere because swollen membranes in the nose can extend into the eustachian tube and block it (see “What Causes Barotrauma?” below). What Are the Symptoms of Barotrauma?

When do the symptoms of ear barotrauma go away?

If it progresses long enough without treatment or the case is particularly severe, symptoms may intensify. Additional symptoms that may occur in these cases include: Once treated, almost all symptoms will go away.

How are ear tubes used to treat ear barotrauma?

Chronic cases of ear barotrauma may be aided with the help of ear tubes. These small cylinders are placed through the eardrum to stimulate airflow into the middle of the ear. Ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes or grommets, are most commonly used in children and they can help prevent infections from ear barotrauma.

Why are children more likely to have ear barotrauma?

When the air that was in the middle ear gets absorbed, there’s nothing to refill it. This creates a vacuum, and your eardrum is sucked inward and stretched. Small children have ear barotrauma more often because they have narrower tubes. The same thing can happen underwater. The deeper you dive, the higher the pressure.