Otic barotrauma

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Background

  • Also known as "ear squeeze" - generally seen during scuba diving or air travel

Clinical Features

Middle Ear

  • Results from inability to equalize middle ear pressure
  • Pain, fullness, vertigo, conductive hearing loss, TM rupture

Inner Ear

  • Results from forceful valsalva against an occluded eustachian tube
    • Pressure difference between middle ear and inner ear can rupture oval or round window
  • Sudden onset of sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, severe vertigo

Differential Diagnosis

Scuba Diving Emergencies

Ear Diagnoses

Barotrauma Types

Evaluation

  • Generally clinical

Management

Middle Ear

Inner Ear

  • Elevate head of bed
  • Advise patient to not blow nose
  • Antivertigo medications
  • ENT consult

Disposition

  • Generally may be discharged

See Also

External Links

References