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Barotrauma
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Safety Issues

Barotrauma

Barotrauma is injury caused by rapid changes in air or water pressure, most often affecting the ears, and can be eased with simple pressure‑equalizing techniques or decongestants.

Overview

Barotrauma means injury to your body because of changes in barometric (air) or water pressure. One common type happens to your ear. A change in altitude may cause your ears to hurt. This can happen if you are flying in an airplane, driving in the mountains, or scuba diving. Divers can also get decompression sickness, which affects the whole body.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of ear barotrauma include:

  • Pain
  • A feeling that your ears are stuffed
  • Hearing loss
  • Dizziness

Treatment & Management

Treatments for ear barotrauma include chewing gum and yawning to relieve the pressure. Medications such as decongestants may also help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, infants and young children are more susceptible to ear barotrauma because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making them harder to clear. To help, encourage feeding or using a pacifier during takeoff and landing, as the act of swallowing helps open the Eustachian tubes. Keep the child awake during these critical phases, as sleeping can make it harder to swallow and equalize pressure. If the child shows signs of distress, pulling at the ears, or excessive crying that does not subside, consult a pediatrician after the flight to check for fluid buildup or injury.
While mild barotrauma causes a sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, and dull pain, a ruptured eardrum often presents with a sudden, sharp release of pressure followed by immediate, significant hearing loss. You may also experience sudden drainage of clear fluid or blood from the ear, severe spinning dizziness (vertigo), or ringing in the ears. If you notice any fluid discharge or a sudden drop in hearing after an altitude change, seek immediate medical evaluation to prevent infection or permanent damage.
Flying or diving with a blocked Eustachian tube significantly increases the risk of severe barotrauma. Ideally, postpone travel until your congestion has fully resolved. If travel is unavoidable, consult a healthcare provider before departure; they may prescribe a nasal steroid spray to reduce inflammation or a short course of oral decongestants. Avoid using oral decongestants if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions without medical approval. Start using the nasal spray 24 to 48 hours before the event for best results.
The Valsalva maneuver involves pinching your nose shut, closing your mouth, and gently blowing as if blowing your nose to force air into the middle ear. This should be done gently and only when you feel pressure building. If you feel pain, experience dizziness, or if the pressure does not equalize after a few gentle attempts, stop immediately. Forcing the maneuver aggressively can damage the eardrum or push infected material from the nose into the middle ear. If pain persists, use a decongestant and wait for the pressure to equalize naturally as you descend or ascend.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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