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Globus Tympanicum


Overview of Globus Tympanicum

overview

Globus tympanicum refers to the condition where the middle ear is damaged due to changes in the surrounding air pressure. It occurs because the pressure inside the middle ear is different than the pressure outside of the middle ear.

Causes of Globus Tympanicum

causes

During a sudden increase in external air pressure, such as may occur during scuba diving or ascending in an airplane, air must move from the nasal cavity to the middle ear to equalize the pressure. The air moves through a structure called the eustachian tube. If the eustachian tube is blocked from allergies, colds or other diseases, the pressure in the middle ear will not equalize.
Fluid may collect in the middle ear. A large pressure difference can lead to rupture of the eardrum and bleeding in the ear.

Signs and Symptoms of Globus Tympanicum

signs and symptoms

A pressure differential usually produces severe pain and hearing loss. This loss is usually a conductive hearing loss, referring to the state where there is interruption in the mechanical transmission of sound. A sensorineural hearing loss or vertigo during a descent suggests the possibility of a perilymph fistula; the same symptoms during ascent from a deep-sea dive suggest bubble formation in the inner ear. A perilymph fistula refers to the condition where fluid within the structures of the inner ear are damaged and leak fluid into the middle ear and possibly out of the ruptured eardrum. A person with an acute URI or allergic reaction should be advised not to fly or dive.



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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008

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