Barotitis Media

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Barotitis (bear-o-ti-tis) media is an injury to the middle ear (the area behind the eardrum). When the eustachian (u-sta-shun) tube is blocked air cannot move in and out of the middle ear. The eustachian tube is the tube leading from the nose to the middle ear. Air pressure can build up when the eustachian tube is blocked. Most of the time this is not a serious problem. But sometimes as the pressure builds up, the middle ear can be damaged. The damage or hearing loss from barotitis media may last forever.

Causes: Barotitis media may be caused by air pressure changes when you are traveling in an airplane. It may also happen when you travel to the mountains, scuba dive, or sky dive. Barotitis media may also be caused by an injury to the ear.

Signs and Symptoms: Your ears may feel plugged up, you may have pain in your ears, or you may feel dizzy. You may have ringing in your ear(s) or have some trouble hearing. You should feel better in a few hours or days.

Care: Usually no care is needed. But you may need medicine for an infection, for pain, or to unplug the ear(s).

Do's and Don'ts: To keep from getting barotitis media, don't travel by airplane or scuba dive when you have a head cold. Chew gum or suck on candy when the airplane is taking off and landing. This forces you to swallow often and can also help as you are driving up in the mountains.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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