Middle Ear Barotrauma Treatment

Barotrauma can occur in any part of the ear (inner, middle or outer). Middle ear barotrauma is caused by a change in ambient pressure; this most often occurs in situations where someone is diving or flying. A person who experiences middle ear barotrauma will feel pain and pressure in his ears when he changes from one pressure area to another, such as undergoing a change in elevation. Treatments for this condition vary based on the severity of the case.

Basic Treatments

• If you have middle ear barotrauma, you must stop diving. Also avoid other situations in which you might experience a change in atmospheric pressure, such as flying. Middle ear barotrauma is caused when the pressure inside your ear is not equal to the pressure outside of your ear; the middle ear cannot keep the balance and experiences complications. Therefore, avoid any activity in which you might change your altitude or experience pressure changes around you. Keep your infected ear as dry as possible and free of other elements that might cause a new infection. Stay out of the air and water until your condition clears up (usually a few days, but in rare cases, it can last a month or longer).

Medical Treatments

• People who experience middle ear barotrauma should seek medical assistance immediately. In an average case, your doctor will prescribe decongestant therapy to clear up the infection and return your ear's pressure to normal levels. Most injuries to the tympanic membrane inside your ear will heal on their own with time; topical nasal steroids may also help in the healing process. In a few days, you will be able to feel relief as your ear infection disappears, and you will also be able to return to your normal routine. This means that you will be able to go back into the ocean or the air again, as long as your physician has given you clearance.

Severe Cases

• If your particular case of middle ear barotrauma is accompanied by the presence of pus, you may also need antibiotic medications to remove the infection. Your recovery time can be lengthened and your symptoms can become more severe if you experience frequent occurrences of middle ear barotrauma. In these cases, your physician may recommend that you stop diving altogether and only fly when absolutely necessary, to avoid future contraction of this condition.

  Other than a brief interruption of your diving activities, barotrauma should not affect your life in significant ways. If you experience recurring difficulties with barotrauma, however, you will need to consider permanent lifestyle changes to avoid additional problems.