Atmospheric pressure changes and ear problems
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Atmospheric pressure changes and ear problems
Ear injuries can occur when air pressure outside the ear increases or decreases while the air pressure inside the ear remains the same. This might happen when an airplane changes altitude or when a scuba diver descends or ascends under water.
- A gradual increase in air pressure outside the ear can cause a buildup of fluid in the space behind the eardrum (otitis media with effusion).
- A sudden, dramatic increase in air pressure outside the ear can cause the eardrum to rupture.
Both of these types of injuries are know as barotrauma.
Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Last Updated | February 13, 2008 |
| Last updated: | February 13, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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