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Treating Ear Barotrauma: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions
Published: Jan 10, 2024
Ear barotrauma can be uncomfortable, but treatment options range from simple home care to medical procedures. Learn about the various approaches to help your ears recover.
Home Care for Mild Cases
For most mild cases of ear barotrauma, time is the best healer. The pressure in your ears will usually equalize on its own within hours or days. To manage discomfort, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Applying a warm compress to your ear may also provide some relief.
Medical Treatments
If your symptoms persist or are severe, your doctor might recommend medical treatments. Decongestants or nasal sprays can help reduce swelling around your Eustachian tubes, allowing pressure to equalize more easily. In cases where fluid has built up in your middle ear, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, though this is uncommon.
Surgical Interventions
In rare, severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. A procedure called myringotomy involves making a small incision in the eardrum to relieve pressure and drain fluid. For recurrent problems, your doctor might suggest inserting small tubes into your eardrums to help maintain pressure equilibrium. These tubes usually fall out on their own after several months.
Treating Inner Ear Barotrauma
Inner ear barotrauma is a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve strict bed rest with your head elevated to reduce pressure in the inner ear. In some cases, surgical repair of the round or oval window of the inner ear may be necessary. Recovery from inner ear barotrauma can take weeks to months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild cases often resolve in days, severe cases may take weeks.
Most mild cases will resolve without medical intervention.
No, they're only used if there's a risk of infection.
It's best to avoid pressure changes until fully healed.
Your doctor may refer you to an ear specialist for further evaluation.
Road to Recovery
With proper care and treatment, most cases of ear barotrauma resolve completely without long-term effects.
References
- Parell GJ, Becker GD. Conservative management of inner ear barotrauma resulting from scuba diving. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1985; 93:393.
- Fernau JL, Hirsch BE, Derkay C, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: effect on middle ear and eustachian tube function. Laryngoscope 1992; 102:48.
- Poe DS, Silvola J, Pyykkö I. Balloon dilation of the cartilaginous eustachian tube. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011; 144:563.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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