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Understanding Ear Barotrauma
Ear barotrauma is ear damage caused by a difference in pressure between the inside of the ear and the air around you. It can cause pain. It may lead to lasting hearing loss. It may affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. It can also harm the eardrum. The eardrum is between the outer and middle ear. Harm to the eardrum can cause bleeding or other damage to the outer, middle, or inner ear.
How pressure works in the ear
The middle ear is an air-filled structure. It sits between the inner and outer parts of the ear. It has three small bones that help send sound to the inner ear. It also has the opening of the eustachian tube. This is a small tube that leads from the middle ear to an area behind the nose. This tube stays closed most of the time.
For your hearing to work, the pressure in the middle ear has to match the pressure in the air around you. If the pressure does not match, the eustachian tube will open. This makes the pressure in the middle ear and the air around you the same.
What causes ear barotrauma?
It’s caused by a pressure difference on either side of the eardrum that can happen during:
Most people in these situations do not get ear barotrauma. It happens only when the eustachian tube does not open. Swelling or fluid buildup in the area around the tube can make it not open. This may be caused by:
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Allergies.
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Sinus stuffiness or inflammation.
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Having a cold or other infection.
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Anatomical problems.
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Contact with irritants, such as tobacco smoke.
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Certain hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of ear barotrauma?
Symptoms can be mild to severe. The most common symptoms of ear barotrauma may include:
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A feeling of pressure in the ear.
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Ear pain.
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Dizziness.
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Feeling like you have a blocked ear.
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Bleeding from the ears or into the middle ear.
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Ringing in your ears.
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Hearing loss.
Some events that cause ear barotrauma may also harm the lungs and sinuses. This can cause symptoms such as facial pain or shortness of breath.
How is barotrauma diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about your health history and your symptoms. You will be asked about recent events that may have caused ear barotrauma, such as air travel. Your provider will give you a physical exam. This may include an ear exam and hearing and balance tests. Other tests may be done, such as an MRI.
How is barotrauma treated?
Treatment depends on the part of the ear that is affected. If your middle ear is affected, your health care provider may tell you to:
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Keep the ear clean and dry.
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Use steroid or decongestant medicine in the nose as directed.
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Take antibiotic medicine as prescribed if an infection develops.
Surgery may be needed for severe cases.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your health care provider right away if you have the symptoms of barotrauma, especially if they are lasting or severe.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH Online Medical Reviewer:
Melinda Murray Ratini DO Online Medical Reviewer:
Shaziya Allarakha MD Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
