Pressure in the ear can be quite bothersome. Ear barotrauma can prevent many people from resuming their everyday lives because of work safety and so on. Let’s continue discussing ear barotrauma, and then, the need for ear tubes which can be surgically inserted.
Ear barotrauma:
Last time, we talked about how you may go about getting diagnosed with ear barotrauma at an Orlando ENT Hearing Center office. We previously shared that a ear doctor, or ENT doctor, could simply do a physical examination with an otoscope to see the change in position of the eardrum.
When the ear drum is pushed inwards or outwards, we stated that this points to an infection or other issue. In cases of infection, your doctor may prescribe a steroid or antibiotic to ease the inflammation or infection.
In certain cases, ear barotrauma may make regular appearances in your life. Usually, this calls for surgery. Of course, this depends on the doctor’s recommendations.
In chronic cases, ear barotrauma may become a nuisance of the past with the help of ear tube insertion surgery. These tubes are most commonly discussed during adolescent years as children are more likely to have frequent ear infections. Adults that need to travel often and experience frequent altitude changes may require this surgery as well.
All about ear tubes:
Ear tubes are small, hollow cylinders. They are usually made of plastic or metal. The tubes are surgically placed into the ear drum.
An ear tube creates an airway the ventilates the middle ear. This means it allows ear to flow nicely through the middle ear. It prevents the middle ear from accumulating a build up of fluids behind the eardrum.
You may hear ear tubes referred to as tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes, or pressure equalization tubes. More regularly, you will just hear them referred to as ear tubes.
For children that experience frequent ear aches or ear infections, they may need ear tubes. Some cases of constant ear infections can delay or affect speech development. Speak to your doctor if your child or teen experiences this.
Natural air ventilation:
An ear tube is meant to provide long-term drainage and ventilation. This aids the middle ear specifically and avoids persistent fluid build up, frequent infections, or chronic ear infections. In normal cases, the eustachian tubes, naturally found in ears, provide ventilation to the middle ear.
The eustachian tubes are the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. The end of the tube that connects to the throat opens and closes to regulate ear pressure in the middle ear, refresh air in the ear, and drain secretions from the middle ear.
Eustachian tubes may be blocked due to swelling, inflammation, and mucus from an upper respiratory infection or allergy. Ear tubes surgically placed provide an alternative airway to keep the middle ear refreshed, drainage, and equalization in ear pressure.
This procedure is nothing to be afraid of. For children, it is the most common childhood surgery performed with anesthesia. Check in with our doctors if you or any other adult friend and relive has frequent ear infections. This is something to be aware of as it causes hearing loss if unattended.
Make an appointment soon. Thank you for stopping by, and like always, stop by next time for more news!
Staff Writer
