Changing elevation or depth quickly, such as when flying on a plane or diving in the ocean, can cause a popping sensation or discomfort in the ears.
The popping sensation and discomfort are caused by a condition called ear barotrauma. Ear barotrauma occurs when there is an imbalance of pressure between the air or water in the environment around you and the pressure in the middle ear.
Your ears contain small channels called Eustachian tubes responsible for draining fluid and maintaining the pressure in your middle ear. Barotrauma occurs when the Eustachian tube cannot maintain the pressure due to a sudden environmental change. Ear barotrauma can cause the following symptoms:
- Discomfort or pain in one or both ears
- Popping sensation in the ears, sometimes felt in the jaw
- Feeling of fullness or stuffiness in one or both ears
- Slight to moderate temporary hearing loss
While most cases of ear barotrauma are mild, some acute cases can exhibit with tinnitus, moderate to severe hearing loss, intense pain, vertigo and bleeding in the ears. To prevent ear barotrauma from becoming severe, practice these methods to equalize pressure:
- The Valsalva maneuver
- Swallowing or yawning
Let’s look at each of these a little more closely.
The Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is an excellent method for equalizing pressure underwater and during a flight. To perform the maneuver, plug your nostrils, close your mouth and blow as if you’re blowing into a tissue. Do this early and often during a flight or dive to prevent ear barotrauma from occurring or becoming severe.
Swallowing or Yawning
Swallowing and yawning are great ways to activate the muscles that open your Eustachian tubes. You can promote extra swallowing during a flight by chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy. If diving, pinch your nose before swallowing to avoid sucking in air.
Middle ear barotrauma is the most common condition among inner-ear disorders in scuba divers and an estimated 10% of adults experience changes to their eardrum pressure during and after flights. Although ear barotrauma usually resolves itself, practicing these prevention methods will help reduce the likelihood of the symptoms becoming severe.
For more information on protecting your ear health, contact San Francisco Audiology today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.