Barotrauma is tissue damage due to the difference in pressure in the body with the pressure of the surrounding air. The most common barotrauma is ear barotrauma. Ear barotrauma occurs when the eardrum is tensed and pulled due to the difference in pressure inside and outside the ear. Normally the air pressure on the two sides of the eardrum should be the same so that it can function properly.
The air pressure in the ear is regulated by the eustachian tube, which is located behind the eardrum. When the eustachian tube becomes blocked, there is a difference in pressure on the inside and outside of the ear.
Barotauma ear is characterized by pressure on the eardrum so that it feels pain and hearing loss.
Ear barotrauma is common when boarding an airplane. Changes in the plane's altitude can quickly trigger barotitis media. The same thing can happen when diving. The deeper you dive, the higher the air pressure, which will make your ears feel uncomfortable.
Children and young people are more at risk of experiencing barotrauma because the eustachian tube is shorter and has a slightly different shape than in adults.
Symptoms.
- Dizzy.
- The ears feel uncomfortable and full.
- Hearing is reduced.
- Hard of hearing.
- Ear pain.
- Eardrum injury.
- Bleeding on the nose.
- Tinnitus.
- Ear bleeding.
Cause.
Barotrauma results from :
- Changes in altitude (boarding a plane, climbing a hill, diving, being in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber).
- Blockage of the Eustachian tube in people suffering from allergies, infections and flu.
Diagnosis.
- History of symptoms.
- Ear examination using an otoscope to see the condition of the eardrum.
- Look at the buildup of fluid or blood behind the eardrum.
- For patients who experience vertigo, a hearing test (audiometry) is performed.
Treatment.
- Yawning opens the eustachian tube.
- Chew candy as the plane starts to land to allow air to flow into the Eustachian tube.
- For babies, provide drinking water or milk when the plane lands to encourage them to swallow.
- Don't sleep when the plane is about to land so it can swallow to make sure air gets into the middle ear.
- Perform the vasalva maneuver: inhale then exhale slowly by covering the mouth and nose. Repeat every few minutes until the plane lands.
- Do not plug your ears when the plane is about to take off or land.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naxproxen or analgesics) to relieve ear discomfort.
- Decongestants, oral anti-histamines, decongestant sprays, and ear drops to prevent blockage of the eustachian tube.
- In chronic barotrauma cases, surgery is performed to stimulate airflow to the middle ear by placing a small cylinder in the eardrum. This cylinder placement is carried out for 6 to 12 months.
Complications.
Barotrauma cases are usually not serious and can be treated with independent treatment. If the condition is serious and lasts for a long time, there may be damage to the structures of the middle ear.
Complications that can occur:
- Permanent hearing loss.
- Persistent chronic tinnitus.
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