Ear barotrauma involves damage to the tissues due to a difference in the pressure in between the air space within the body. This is the most common form of barotrauma characterized by ear pain and diminished hearing due to the unequal pressure that developed between the air in the middle ear and outside the ear.
What are the possible causes of ear barotrauma?
The small space in the middle ear at the rear of the eardrum must be normally filled with air. This space is linked to the back of the nose by the Eustachian tube. Remember that the air on either side of the eardrum must be at the same pressure for the eardrum to properly vibrate and function.
The air pressure outside the ear rapidly increases and drives the eardrum inwards which triggers pain. Thus, the eardrum could not vibrate normally and hearing is dulled. The pressure within the middle ear should rise rapidly as well to alleviate a tensed eardrum. Air should move to the Eustachian tube into the middle ear to equalized the pressure.
When a plane descends, the air pressure increases which drives the eardrum interiorly. In case the pressure within the middle ear could not be equalized rapidly, ear pain occurs.
Other instances in which the air pressure might rise rapidly include the following:
- Diving to the bottom of a swimming pool
- Scuba diving
- Rapid descent in a lift
Who are at a higher risk?
The Eustachian tube is generally closed but opens every now and then when swallowing, chewing or yawning. In most individuals, normal chewing and swallowing enables air to move up or down the Eustachian tube to equalize the air pressure rapidly on either side.
On the other hand, the Eustachian tube in some individuals do not open easily, thus pressure might not be equalized readily. Some might have a narrow tube than normal. In addition, if the individual has any condition that results to an obstruction in the tube, air could not travel up or down such as mucus and inflammation from common cold, throat infections and even hay fever.