Ear barotrauma
Alternative Names
Barotitis media; Barotrauma; Ear popping; Pressure-related ear pain; Eustachian tube dysfunction
Symptoms
If severe or prolonged:
- Hearing loss, moderate to severe
- Feeling of pressure in the ears (as if underwater)
- Nosebleed
- Ear pain
Exams and Tests
During an inspection of the ear, the doctor may see a slight outward bulge or inward retraction of the eardrum. If the condition is severe, there may be blood behind the eardrum. Severe barotrauma may be difficult to distinguish from ear infection.