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Barotitis Media

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Barotitis (BEAR-o-TI-tis) media (me-DEE-uh) is an injury to the middle ear (the area behind the eardrum) that results when a blockage develops in the tube that normally equalizes pressure within the ear (the eustachian tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose). When normal air flow is blocked, pressure can build in the ear. The condition is not serious, and usually clears up in a few hours or days. In some cases, however, it may last a long time.

Causes

The problem can result from air pressure changes that occur during scuba or sky diving, airplane flights, or trips through the mountains. Barotitis media can also be caused by an injury to the ear.

Signs/Symptoms

You may experience hearing loss, plugged ears, ear pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ears.

Care

Usually no care is needed, but if the problem persists, you may need medicine for an infection, for pain, or to unplug the ears.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • Don't take any medicine without your doctor's approval.
  • Do not put anything into your ears to clean or unplug them.
  • Do not swim or dive until your doctor says it is okay.
  • Avoid flying or scuba-diving when you have a head cold.
  • If you must fly:
    • Call your doctor for medicine to keep your ears unplugged.
    • Chew gum or suck on candy when the airplane is taking off and landing. This will force you to swallow often and will equalize the air pressure in your middle and outer ears.
    • Take a breath, hold your nose, close your mouth. This will force air into the eustachian tube.
    • To prevent the problem in an infant, breastfeed or give the baby a bottle of water or juice on takeoff and landing.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • You get a painful headache or a really bad earache, you feel dizzy, or you have blood or pus-like drainage from the ear.
  • You develop a high temperature.
  • Your symptoms do not get better or they become worse.
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