When the eardrum becomes stretched and tense, barotrauma of the ear occurs due to the unequal pressure that develops on either side of the eardrum and can affect the inner, middle, and outer ear. Barotrauma is a condition that can be painful and can even lead to dulled hearing and tinnitus. Typically, this condition is often experienced by scuba divers, but it also commonly happens while riding on an airplane, particularly when the plane is ascending and descending.
For your eardrum to function correctly, there needs to be equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. Your eardrum is what separates the middle ear and the ear canal, but when the air pressure changes rapidly or becomes unequal outside the eardrum and in the middle ear, this can damage your eardrum. Usually, the Eustachian tube allows outside air to enter the middle ear to help maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. The Eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the middle ear, so when the outside air pressure changes suddenly, air will run through the tube to equalize the pressure. However, for scuba divers and airplane passengers, air pressure outside the ear can increase quickly which then pushes the eardrum inward, causing ear pain and potentially dulled hearing. Luckily, while the pain can be severe, in most cases there is no severe damage done to the ear. Occasionally, the eardrum can tear, but this usually heals by itself in several weeks.
So how can you prevent ear pain when you go scuba diving or when you fly? Luckily, there are some simple ways to help prevent ear barotrauma, aka airplane ear. If you are looking for some ways to prevent ear pain, check out these helpful ear barotrauma tips.
• If you have allergies or an infection affecting your nose and throat, you may experience increased discomfort when you dive or fly in a plane. If you can, avoid diving or flying until the infection is cleared or you have control over your allergies.
• If you are congested and you have to fly, use a decongestant nasal spray or drops 30 minutes to an hour before ascent and descent. Using a decongestant can help open the Eustachian tubes and dry up the mucus in your nose.
• If you are going scuba diving, make sure you give adequate time for the air pressure to equalize on both sides of the eardrum by descending and ascending slowly.
• Both divers and airplane passengers can do the Valsalva maneuver whenever they feel any discomfort in their ears. To perform this, breathe in and then blow out gently while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed. Do this maneuver until you feel your ears pop, and repeat as necessary.
• Some people find air pressure-regulating earplugs to be helpful when they fly, as they help slow down the rate of air pressure change. These earplugs are cheap and reusable, and can be found in many pharmacies and at airports.
• When you yawn, chew, or swallow air flows up the Eustachian tube, so suck on a piece of candy or chew some gum while the plane is changing altitudes. A simple yawn works well too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ear barotrauma occurs when there is unequal air pressure on either side of the eardrum, causing it to stretch and become tense. Rapid changes in air pressure, common in activities like flying and scuba diving, can push the eardrum inward and cause pain, dulled hearing, or tinnitus.
The Eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the middle ear and allows air to flow in and out, equalizing the pressure on both sides of the eardrum. When air pressure changes suddenly, the tube opens to balance the pressure, preventing the eardrum from becoming stretched or damaged.
Common symptoms include ear pain, dulled hearing, and tinnitus. While the pain can be severe, most cases do not cause permanent damage. In rare instances, the eardrum may tear but typically heals within several weeks.
To prevent barotrauma during flights, avoid flying if you have a nasal infection or allergies, use a decongestant nasal spray 30 minutes to an hour before ascending or descending, chew gum, yawn, or suck on candy to promote Eustachian tube opening, perform the Valsalva maneuver if needed, and consider using pressure-regulating earplugs to slow pressure changes.
The Valsalva maneuver involves taking a deep breath, pinching your nose, closing your mouth, and gently blowing to force air through the Eustachian tubes. This helps to equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum and relieve discomfort caused by barotrauma during changes in altitude.
Infections or allergies causing nasal and throat congestion can block the Eustachian tube, preventing proper air pressure equalization in the middle ear. This increases discomfort and the risk of barotrauma when you dive or fly. It's best to wait until the infection clears or allergies are controlled before flying or diving.
Scuba divers should descend and ascend slowly to allow adequate time for air pressure to equalize on both sides of the eardrum. Slow rate changes help prevent the eardrum from becoming stretched and reduce the risk of pain or injury from barotrauma.
