In recent weeks, we have discussed ear barotrauma. Now that you know almost everything there is to know about ear barotrauma and ear pressure, we are going to share what you might expect in a visit to our ENT doctors. Let’s talk about diagnosis and treatment for ear pain, or more specifically ear barotrauma.
What is ear popping?:
Like many other conditions, ear barotrauma may go away on its own. Last week, we discussed that some people may try popping their ears on their own. As you may have guessed it, this can be harmful to ears.
Check with your ENT specialists to get the go-ahead first. How exactly does ear popping work? Your eustachian tubes supply air to the middle sections of your ears. It helps maintain equal amounts of pressure on both sides of the eardrums.
When there is a difference in the ear pressure, the eardrum may start to bulge inward or outward. This is what causes the feeling of clogged ears. Popping your ears helps put the eardrum back into place.
Once the eardrum is back in place, it alleviates the imbalance in pressure. In turn, this reduces or eliminates your discomfort. The different ways people pop their ears, swallowing, yawning, or blowing your nose, opens the eustachian tube.
The popping sound itself is caused by the air entering the middle ear through the eustachian tube. However, if the tube does not open up with these simple tricks, their may be an obstruction. Fluid, earwax, or mucus may be obstructing the eustachian tube.
Seek medical attention if there is pressure in your ear for more than one day or if the pain is mild to severe. In this case, it is better to be safe than sorry. A clogged eardrum can bulge to the point of its bursting point, a perforated eardrum.
Diagnosing ear barotrauma:
While ear barotrauma may go away on its own, it is usually best to see a doctor when experience ear pain. If either ear is a source of pain or if there is bleeding from either ear, seek immediate medical attention. Of course, this is an absolute emergency and puts you at risk to loosing your hearing if gone untreated.
A medical examination performed by your ENT, or ear doctor, is the best way to rule out an ear infection. Often times, an ear infection can be detected during a quick visit. When Orlando ENT doctors use an otoscope, it can reveal changes in the eardrum causing imbalanced ear pressure.
Immediate diagnosis:
The doctor may see the infection immediately if the eardrum is pushed slightly inward or outward. Next, the ear doctor, or ear, nose, and throat doctor, may squeeze air into the ear to see if there is any blood or fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Mostly everyone gets a diagnosis of some sort during a physical examination.
Our hearing center in Orlando, Florida is highly equipped to take on ear pain. We promise we will help you out. Make an appointment today!
Staff Writer
