ear, nose, and throat disorders
Otic Barotrauma
Treatment of Otic Barotrauma
Methods to equalize pressure (eg, yawning, swallowing, chewing gum) Routine self-treatment of pain caused by changing pressure in an aircraft includes chewing gum, attempting to yawn and swallow, blowing against closed nostrils, and using decongestant nasal sprays. If pain is severe and hearing loss is conductive, myringotomy may help. If hearing loss is sensorineural and vertigo is present, a Sudden Hearing Loss is suspected and middle ear exploration to close a fistula should be considered. 