Pressure In Ear!? Ear Barotrauma?

Question

I have had very severe pressure in my ear. Only in my right ear, I can't take breaths through my nose anymore because the pressure builds up and feels like someone shoved a knife into my ear drum. Is this Ear Barotrauma, or something else? I need to get rid of this it is driving me crazy. Are there any treatments at all? Please Help.

Thanks so much.
Howls,

Timber Wolf

Answer 1

Hi, I'm an Audiologist.

Barotrauma is when a sudden pressure change causes injury in the ear (or other part of the body) -- were you flying or scuba diving when you had a sudden onset of these symptoms? Since you didn't mention that, your symptoms sound more like Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, where something is causing the Eustactian tube that regulates the pressure behind the eardrum to not function properly. Sometimes this will lead to a build-up of fluid in the middle ear cavity, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

As the Cut&Pasted answer above suggests, many people do find some relief, although temporary, by performing the ValSalva Maneuver. The Nurse's suggestion to take decongestants can also help reduce the inflammation and reduce the chances of having fluid and/or mucus getting in the middle ear cavity. Be mindful that decongestants are now found BEHIND the counter at pharmacies in the U.S.A., so although you do not need a prescription, you do need to ask for the product at the counter and sign a form.

The ears are highly innervated as a protection, because the structures are so delicate. So even minor amounts of pressure that are not even considered clinically significant are in actuality quite painful. You can also take over the counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to ease your pain. Applying heat to the outer ear can also be helpful (such as by laying with your Right ear on a hot water bottle).

If it doe not resolve within a few days, contact your physician for an examination and possibly referral to an ear specialist. If your symptoms include significant hearing loss, noises in the ear (tinnitus), and/or spinning dizziness (vertigo), go to the Dr. as soon as you can. These symptoms might mean there is something more serious involved and prompt treatment is necessary.

Answer 2

Its normal, if your just going to be at the bottom of the pool for a few seconds, try blowing air out of your nose. It keeps the pressure off of the ears. Sometimes earplugs will help, but not always. If your just diving, you may just have to suck it up, cause most methods are for staying below 15 ft for a decent amount of time. Just whatever you do, dont go to the bottom of the pool hold your nose and blow. It can rupture your eardrum, create additional pressure or block sinus flow if you hold it too long or create too much pressure. If just swimming, you can usually release pressure by stretching out the lower jaw and face muscles, or trying to wiggle your ears(doesn't really wiggle ears but it streches the muscles around the ear drum. If pressure is in the inner ear, this will not help at all and this may be because of water that got in your ear.. When I was swimming last year I got pressure and tryed the hold and blow, did it too hard and damaged and almost ruptured an eardrum(took three weeks to hear normaly), also because my inner ear swelled up, it pinched my sinus passages and gave me an ear infection, pink eye, and sore throat, all at the same time. It was really not fun. I went to the doctor's and all they could do was give my pain relievers.

Answer 3

To relieve ear pain or discomfort, first attempt to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure. Suck on candy, chew gum, or yawn. Or inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.

When flying, do not sleep during the descent. Frequently open the eustachian tube by these measures. Allow infants and children to nurse or sip a drink during descent.

Divers should descend and ascend slowly. Diving while you are suffering with allergies or a respiratory infection is dangerous, because barotrauma may be severe.

If self-care attempts are unsuccessful at relieving discomfort within a few hours, or if barotrauma is severe, medical intervention may be necessary.

Medications recommended may include decongestants taken by mouth or by a nose spray, antihistamines, or steroids. These medications may relieve nasal congestion and allow the eustachian tube to open. Antibiotics may prevent ear infection if barotrauma is severe.

If the tube will not open with other treatments, surgery may be necessary. An incision is made in the eardrum to allow pressure to equalize and fluid to drain (myringotomy). However, surgery is rarely necessary. Occasionally, tubes will be surgically placed in the eardrum if frequent altitude changes are unavoidable, or if you are susceptible to barotrauma.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Barotrauma is usually benign and responsive to self-care. Hearing loss is almost always temporary.

Complications Return to top

Ruptured or perforated eardrum
Acute ear infection
Loss of hearing
Calling your health care provider Return to top

Home care measures should be attempted first. If the discomfort of barotrauma is not relieved within a few hours, call for an appointment with the health care provider.

Call your provider if new symptoms develop in a person with barotrauma, especially fever, severe ear pain, or drainage from the ear.

Prevention Return to top

Nasal decongestants or antihistamines may be used before altitude changes. Try to avoid altitude changes during upper respiratory infections or attacks of allergies.

Answer 4

Before you use all that information - go to the drugstore and get some over the counter decongestant. Claritian D or anything for allergies/decongestant. If this doesn't work after a few days go to the Dr. You may need something more.