Ear Barotraumas
Causes, common signs and symptoms, and treatments of ear injuries after scuba diving - incudes inner, middle, and outer ear barotraumas.
Inner Ear Barotrauma Cause
- Forceful equalization of ears
- Severe middle ear barotrauma
Inner Ear Barotrauma Symptoms
The symptoms usually persist longer than 20 minutes after the dive;
- Vertigo
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Ringing in ear(s)
- Hearing loss
Inner Ear Barotrauma Treatment
- Sit down, keep still and quiet
- Avoid exertion, coughing, sneezing, bending and further equalization attempts
- Consult an ENT specialist or diving doctor and don't dive until reviewed
Middle Ear Barotrauma Cause
Inadequate equalisation during descent due to;
- Poor equalizing technique
- Diving with a cold, hay fever, flu or blocked Eustachian tube(s)
- Rapid descent
- Inadequate equalization during ascent due to;
- Swelling of the middle ear lining due to inadequate equalization on descent
- Decongestants wearing off underwater
- Rapid ascent
Middle Ear Barotrauma Symptoms
- Fullness in ear
- Discomfort
- Ear pain during the dive
- Hearing loss
- Ruptured eardrum
- Vertigo during or shortly after the dive
Middle Ear Barotrauma Treatment
- Ascend slowly
- Take analgesics as directed
- Use decongestants as directed
- Do not equalise forcefully
- Consult a diving doctor and don't dive until reviewed
- Seek ENT medical advice if dizziness, hearing loss or ringing continue
Outer Ear Barotrauma Cause
Inadequate equalisation during descent due to;
- Tight hood
- Blocked external ear canal due to wax or exostoses (bony outgrowths)
- Mask strap covering the ear
Outer Ear Barotrauma Symptoms
- Pain in ear not relieved by equalisation
- Discharge or bleeding from the ears
- Other symptoms similar to those of middle ear barotrauma if eardrum ruptures
Outer Ear Barotrauma Treatment
- Ascend slowly
- Take analgesics as directed
- Use decongestants as directed
- Do not equalise forcefully
- Consult a diving doctor and don't dive until reviewed
- Seek ENT medical advice if dizziness, hearing loss or ringing continue
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