In your ears, there is a tube that connects your ear to your throat and nose. When you are experiencing pressure in your ear, this tube, called the eustachian tube, is blocked. The pressure in ears is called ear barotrauma, and it is very common and is mostly caused by altitude environmental changes when flying or driving. Experiencing pressure in your ears is harmless in most cases.
Ear Pressure (Ear Barotrauma) Symptoms
Common symptoms may include:
- Discomfort in ears (pressure)
- Dizziness
- Difficulty hearing
If symptoms continue without being treated, they may worsen:
- Nosebleed
- Severe hearing loss
- Injury to the eardrum
- Ear pain
Treatment of Ear Barotrauma
Common treatments for ear pressure is yawning or chewing gum. If pressure continues and causes severe pain, it may be the best idea to seek medical attention. If left untreated, ear infections, eardrum damage, vertigo, ear and nose bleeding are all possible.
Helpful Tips to Prevent Ear Barotrauma
Try yawning, swallowing, and chewing when you feel like you are getting pressure in your ears. You can also try breathing slowing through your nose especially when traveling in an airplane.
