injuries poisoning
Ear and Sinus Barotrauma
Key Points
If patients have tinnitus, hearing loss, or vertigo, arrange urgent audiometry and vestibular testing. Consider CT if unsure of clinical assessment or if sinus injury is complicated by cranial nerve compression. If symptoms are severe, prescribe an analgesic and a decongestant. Decrease risk of ear and sinus barotrauma by counseling against diving when the nose is congested and sometimes by prescribing prophylacticoxymetazolineor nasalpseudoephedrine. 