Barotrauma is a condition of the ear caused by sudden or extreme changes in pressure. Medically, it is also called barotitis media. It can occur during diving, flying or other situations where pressure changes rapidly. The stress on the eardrum can cause pain, dull hearing or even temporary hearing loss. It is important to know how barotrauma occurs, how to recognize it and, most importantly, how to prevent it.
How does barotrauma occur?
Barotrauma occurs when the middle or outer ear cannot adjust quickly enough to a difference in pressure. Normally, the tube of Eustachian tube regulates the pressure in the middle ear by admitting or expelling air. When this tube does not function properly or the pressure changes too quickly, tension develops on the eardrum, which can cause symptoms.
In diving, pressure increases rapidly with depth, while in flying, air pressure actually decreases with ascent and increases with descent. In both cases, barotrauma can occur if your ears cannot properly accommodate the pressure changes.
Barotrauma in diving
Divers have an increased risk of barotrauma due to rising water pressure. With each meter you go deeper, the pressure on your ears increases. The middle ear must absorb this pressure by releasing air through the Eustachian tube into the ear.
Common situations that cause barotrauma in diving are:
- Descending too fast without clearing ears
- Cold or stuffy nose causing the Eustachian tube to malfunction
- Taking off too fast or exhaling too little during ascent
The result can range from a mild pressing sensation to rupture of the eardrum in severe injury.
Pressure-regulating earplugs for diving
Pressure-regulating diving caps help the middle ear gradually adjust to increasing water pressure. They are available in universal models and custom-made versions:
- Universal pressure regulating diving caps: ready to use immediately, suitable for most ears, provide controlled pressure relief during descent and ascent.
- Custom-made pressure regulating diving plugs: fit perfectly in the ear, provide extra comfort for longer or more frequent dives, and are ideal for divers prone to pressure problems. You can of course have these made with us, feel free to stop by at our swim cap walk-in!
Using pressure-regulating earplugs can reduce pain, reduce the risk of barotrauma and make your diving experience more enjoyable.
Barotrauma when flying
During a flight, cabin air pressure changes rapidly, especially during ascents and descents. The middle ear must compensate for these changes to keep the eardrum balanced. Especially during descent, the eardrum can become pressurized, causing pain or dull hearing.
Children and people with colds or allergies have a higher risk because their Eustachian tube does not work as well.
Pressure-regulating earplugs for flying
Special earplugs that gradually regulate pressure are also available while flying. As with diving, there are universal and custom-made versions:
- Universal airplane earplugs: easy to use, suitable for occasional air travel, dampen noise and regulate cabin pressure.
- Custom-made airplane earplugs: fit perfectly in the ear, provide optimal comfort during long or frequent flights, and effectively protect against pressure differences. You can of course have these made with us, you can stop by our swim plug walk-in (where we also make custom flight plugs) without an appointment.
Wearing earplugs before takeoff and during descent can significantly reduce complaints.
Symptoms of barotrauma
Symptoms can vary from person to person and situation to situation:
- Pressing sensation in the ear
- Pain or dull hearing
- Tinnitus (tinnitus)
- Temporary hearing loss
- Sometimes blood or fluid from a ruptured eardrum
- Dizziness or balance problems
Mild symptoms often disappear on their own once pressure returns to normal, such as after takeoff, descent or flight. More serious injuries require medical attention.
Prevention of barotrauma
Tips for divers
- Practice regularly clearing your ears before diving
- Dive slowly and consider the pressure on the middle ear
- Avoid diving if you have a cold or stuffy nose
- Consider pressure regulating diving caps, universal or custom-made
Tips for air travel
- Chewing gum or sucking on candies during ascents and descents
- Active clearance of the ears with Valsalva or Toynbee method
- Wear pressure-regulating airplane earplugs
- Keep colds and allergies under control
Combining pressure-regulating earplugs with proper clearance techniques can prevent most complaints.
Treatment for barotrauma
Treatment depends on the severity of the complaint:
- Mild cases: often recover on their own within a few hours to days
- Moderate to severe: may require medical treatment such as anti-inflammatories or pain medication
- Ruptured eardrum: usually heals on its own, but sometimes minor surgery is needed
Avoid diving or flying with existing barotrauma symptoms to prevent further damage.
Barotrauma and repetitive pressure loading
Frequent diving or flying can cause repeated pressure stress on the eardrum and Eustachian tube. Regular checkups with an ENT doctor or audiologist can help detect problems early and prevent further damage.
Healthy ears when pressure changes
- Learn and practice clearance techniques
- Use pressure-regulating earplugs when flying and diving
- Avoid rapid increases or decreases
- Check your hearing regularly with frequent pressure changes
- Consult a doctor in case of pain, blood or hearing loss
By consciously managing pressure changes and using pressure-regulating earplugs, your ears will stay healthy and comfortable both in the air and underwater.
