Emergency War Surgery NATO Handbook: Part IV: Regional Wounds and Injuries: Chapter XXVI: Wounds and Injuries of the Ear

Barotrauma

United States Department of Defense

Barotrauma is often encountered in flying personnel. Symptoms usually occur on descent, when edema of the eustachian tube mucosa prevents equalization of pressure within the middle ear. This can result in symptoms varying from mild pain and slight hearing loss to severe pain and extreme vertigo. When it occurs, topical and systemic nasal decongestants, coupled with frequent Valsalva maneuvers, often will reverse the process. On occasion, a myringotomy may be required. Prompt recognition and treatment will often sharply decrease the associated morbidity. The condition is more prone to occur in those with upper respiratory infections.

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Operational Medicine 2001

Health Care in Military Settings

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