| Intervention | Indication | |--------------|-------------| | | If secondary bacterial infection develops in trapped fluid | | Corticosteroids (oral or topical) | To reduce severe inflammation when tubes remain blocked | | Myringotomy (small incision in eardrum) | For persistent fluid or pain unresponsive to other treatments – allows drainage and pressure equalization | | Tympanostomy tube placement | For recurrent barotrauma (e.g., frequent flyers or divers) – tiny tubes keep middle ear ventilated | | Tympanoplasty (surgical repair) | Only for a ruptured eardrum that fails to heal spontaneously after 3–6 months |
Surgery is reserved for complications or failure of conservative therapy. how to treat ear barotrauma
Your healthcare provider can diagnose ear barotrauma with a health history and physical exam. This may include an exam of the ear, Cedars-Sinai Ear Barotrauma in the Mountains: How to Correct the Balance how to treat ear barotrauma