The middle ear is damaged due to pressure changes. This damage affects the middle ear, Eustachian tube and nerve endings in the ear.
Causes of Barotitis Media
Barotitis media is causes by a sudden, increased pressure in the surrounding air. During the rapid descent of an airplane or while scuba diving air moves from the nose into the middle ear to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. If the tube leading from the nose to the ear (Eustachian tube) doesn’t work properly, the pressure in the middle ear becomes less than the outside pressure. This negative pressure in the middle ear sucks the eardrum inward causing blood and mucus to appear in the middle ear. This type of injury is more likely if you have a respiratory infection when scuba diving or traveling by air. Trauma to external or middle ear (boxing, water skiing, accidents, etc.) can also cause this condition
Signs and Symptoms of Barotitis Media
Pressure damage to the ear produces varying degrees of hearing loss. People complain of a plugged feeling in the ear. Mild to severe pain occurs in the ears, or over the cheek-bones and forehead. Dizziness and ringing in the ear develops. Crying in infants or young children is a common response to this disorder.
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