Throat & Voice Symptoms
Symptoms: ENT
August 1, 2025

What Is Ear Barotrauma?

7 minutes

What Is Ear Barotrauma? Understanding Ear Pain During Flying and Diving

Flying on a plane or diving underwater can be exhilarating and rewarding experiences, opening up new horizons and adventures. However, for many people, these activities sometimes come with an uncomfortable side effect—ear pain. This discomfort, often felt as pressure, fullness, or sharp pain inside the ear, is frequently caused by a condition known as ear barotrauma. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what ear barotrauma is, why it happens during flying and diving, and what you should know to prevent or manage it effectively.

What Is Ear Barotrauma?

Ear barotrauma refers to injury or discomfort in the ear caused by rapid or significant changes in pressure between the inside of the ear and the external environment. When you fly at high altitudes or dive deep underwater, the surrounding air or water pressure shifts quickly. Your ears rely on tiny passages and compartments—primarily the Eustachian tubes—to adjust and equalize internal ear pressure with outside pressure.

Think of it like this: imagine a tightly sealed balloon being squeezed or stretched, and it needs to adjust to avoid popping or collapsing. If your ears cannot “release” or equalize this pressure difference effectively, the resulting stress on the eardrum and surrounding tissues causes pain or discomfort. Symptoms of ear barotrauma can range from mild pressure and a feeling of fullness to intense pain and, in severe cases, temporary hearing loss or dizziness.

Common Causes of Ear Barotrauma

Many factors contribute to the development of ear barotrauma during flying and diving. Understanding these causes can help you recognize when you might be at risk:

  • Rapid changes in altitude or depth: During airplane takeoff and landing or while ascending and descending underwater, pressure changes faster than your ears can equalize. This sudden shift is the most common trigger of barotrauma.
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. They act as small valves that open to let air in or out, balancing ear pressure. If these tubes are blocked, inflamed, or not working properly, pressure can build up inside the ear.
  • Upper respiratory infections: Having a cold, sinus infection, or allergies can cause swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. This inflammation often makes it harder to open the tubes and equalize pressure.
  • Nasal congestion: A stuffy or congested nose also impedes airflow through the Eustachian tubes, increasing the likelihood of ear barotrauma.

For example, a traveler with seasonal allergies who boards a plane with a congested nose is more likely to experience ear pain during descent due to blocked Eustachian tubes.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

When to See a Doctor

Most cases of ear barotrauma are mild and resolve shortly after pressure normalizes. However, there are times when professional medical evaluation is necessary. Watch for the following signs during or after flying or diving:

  • Ear pain that persists well beyond the flight or dive and does not improve
  • Sudden or noticeable hearing loss, muffled hearing, or ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems that interfere with daily activities
  • Bleeding, fluid discharge, or a sensation of fullness that does not subside
  • Increasingly severe symptoms or signs of infection, such as fever

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly. They can assess for complications such as a ruptured eardrum or middle ear infection, which may require treatment.

How Ear Barotrauma Can Impact Daily Life

Even mild ear barotrauma can significantly affect how you function day-to-day, especially if you travel frequently or enjoy regular diving.

  • Work: Ear pain or temporary hearing difficulties can impair your ability to focus, take part in meetings, or use phones effectively—issues that add stress and reduce productivity.
  • Social life: The discomfort and worry about experiencing ear pain again can cause some to avoid social outings or trips with family and friends, leading to feelings of isolation.
  • Travel plans: Fear of recurring ear pain during takeoffs, landings, or dives causes many people to limit or stop air travel and underwater activities altogether, impacting lifestyle and opportunities.
  • Emotional wellbeing: Persistent or recurrent ear problems can increase anxiety, stress, and frustration, affecting overall mental health and quality of life.

Knowing what ear barotrauma is and how to manage it can empower you to face pressure changes more confidently and reduce their impact.

Additional Insights on Ear Barotrauma

Research indicates that ear barotrauma is a common complaint among both frequent flyers and divers. Studies estimate that approximately 20% to 30% of air travelers experience some degree of ear discomfort related to pressure changes. Similarly, among divers, barotrauma is one of the most reported injuries affecting middle ear function.

Individuals with nasal allergies, recent colds, or sinus infections are at higher risk due to inflammation and Eustachian tube dysfunction. For example, a survey published in the Journal of Otolaryngology found that passengers with upper respiratory infections were three times more likely to suffer from ear barotrauma during flights than healthy individuals.

Simple preventive measures such as chewing gum during takeoffs and landings or performing the Valsalva maneuver—gently blowing while pinching the nostrils—can often help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure. However, if you have frequent or severe symptoms, a consultation with an ear specialist is recommended to explore further options.

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Ready to breathe easier? Schedule your visit at Sleep and Sinus Centers today—online or call (678) 689-1100. Booking an appointment can help you learn personalized strategies to prevent ear barotrauma and address any ongoing ear, sinus, or nasal issues that contribute to discomfort.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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David Dillard, MD, FACS
David Dillard, MD, FACS
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