Press injuries in the ear (Barotrauma AURIS)

Definition and causes

Pressure in the ear damage can occur when there are sudden changes in ambient air pressure. This is an example of ascent or descent of an aircraft or by diving. Normally, there is the same pressure in the middle ear, as in the surrounding area. This is due to pressure relief throughit eustachiiske pipes, Which provides connection between the nose throat and middle ear. It eustachiiske tube has a valve function that makes an excess of middle ear slightly offset, while a negative result in the closure of the pipe so that there may be additional pressure equalization. If the pressure is large enough, can cause damage to the drum skin and inner ear.

It may even help to open the eustachiiske tubes again, for example by swallowing or by sharply to breathe out, while keeping in the nose and keep your mouth closed (Valsalvas maneuver). By infection of the nose or throat, like a cold, raise the mucous membranes in the eustachiiske pipes and may be covered. with mucus, making it more difficult venting from the middle ear.

On a flight there is usually no problem when the aircraft letter, as it overpressure, formed easily compensated. During the descent there will be pressure in the middle ear, if you can not offset the pressure through the pipe eustachiiske. There will be a risk of pressure damage, especially in cold or by rapid descent.

All airliners have today pressurized cabin, which ensures the pressure is not reduced more than equal to fly at 2.5 km altitude. In addition, the pressure changes occur slowly. Yet there is a small risk of harm to the ear, if the ventilation of the middle ear is completely blocked.

In diving, there is the same as when an aircraft lands. The external pressure rises, the deeper dive Monday, and if you can not change the pressure in the middle ear, creating a negative pressure so at the risk of bruising.

Symptoms of bruising in the ear

Pain in the ear.
Hearing impairment.
Fluid in the middle ear.
Blown drum skin, which may. a little fluid out of your ear. Seen only by violent trauma.
Dizziness.

Relationship Rules

If you have a cold and be out flying, you can use a nasal spray like. Otrivin, Zymelin or similar, which means that singling out mucous membranes decreases, so that we can more easily offset pressure (nasal spray is available in over). It should also be alert when the plane start and land and regularly swallow or breathe a big way with closed mouth and nose. If you're going to dive, it must be pointed out that the effect of nasal spray can absorb while you are under water, so it is recommended that you sl

If the damage is done, you should consult a doctor.

Treatment of bruising in the ear

It is best to prevent that damage. It does so by taking precautions just described. To offset the pressure we can with a special tool blow air into it through one of the nostrils, while keeping the other and keep their mouths shut.

It may be necessary to create hole in the ear drum (if not broken) in order to offset the pressure. Whether it's the doctor who made the hole in the ear drum, or it is caused by negative pressure, closing it down as a rule by itself after a few weeks. When damage to the inner ear surgery is necessary.

This article was updated on the Health Guide on 08.08.07