Ear barotrauma

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Ear anatomy

Barotitis media; Barotrauma; Ear popping; Pressure-related ear pain; Eustachian tube dysfunction

• Dizziness
• Ear discomfort or pain in one or both ears
• Hearing loss (slight)
• Sensation of fullness or stuffiness in the ears

If the condition is severe or prolonged:

• Ear pain
• Feeling of pressure in the ears (as if underwater)
• Moderate to severe hearing loss
• Nosebleed

During an inspection of the ear, the doctor may see a slight outward bulge or inward pull of the eardrum. If the condition is severe, there may be blood behind the eardrum.

Severe barotrauma may be difficult to tell apart from an ear infection.

Review Date: 05/09/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington (8/3/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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