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Barotrauma Ear Infections

Ear barotrauma occurs when the Eustachian tube in your ear is blocked and the body is subsequently powerless to equalize the pressure that is both inside and outside of the eardrum. This condition is also called airplane ear, aerotitis media and barotitis media. This condition is treatable and generally does not result in severe damage to the ear; however, complications can result including an ear infection.

  1. Developments

    • Infections that can occur due to barotrauma may result from bacteria entering your ear as an outcome of a ruptured eardrum. This infection is called otitis media or a middle ear infection. If your eardrum has ruptured due to barotrauma, it may heal on its own; however, if it doesn't, you are susceptible to acquiring chronic ear infections that may cause permanent hearing loss.

    Another Possible Outcome

    • Another type of ear infection that can occur as the result of barotrauma is cholesteatoma or a middle ear cyst. When an eardrum is ruptured, debris cannot migrate to your outer ear in the form of ear wax. When this debris can't move to the outer ear, it can enter your middle ear and form a cyst, which is called cholesteatoma and which is made up of cerumen (wax) and skin cells. Bacteria thrive in this environment. The cholesteatoma contains proteins which, along with the bacteria, can damage your middle ear bones.

    What Happens

    • Pressure-induced damage to the eardrum, which is the definition of barotrauma, can cause infections due to the build-up of fluid in the middle ear. A ruptured eardrum can lead to an ear infection because the eardrum is no longer whole and bacteria can cross the threshold into the middle ear.

    Sinus Barotrauma Infections

    • If you have nasal congestion or a cold, this can lead to a serious sinus infection. This is referred to as sinus barotrauma. Our sinuses consist of air-filled pockets found in the bone around the nose. When sinus barotrauma happens, there is a significant difference in the pressure outside and the pressure in your sinuses. This condition may manifest itself in tooth pain, sinus pain and pressure, headaches and nasal bleeding. It can also result in pain above your eyes or in and around your cheekbones. Headaches are also likely.

    Advice

    • You are advised not to fly if you are congested because of the risk of developing sinus barotrauma. However, if you have to fly, use a nasal spray decongestant prior to taking off, which will decrease inflammation. Use the spray again before landing.

    Treatment

    • If you are suffering from ear barotrauma, your physician may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent an ear infection.

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