Management and Resolution of Post-Flight Ear Barotrauma (Aerotitis Media)
During a flight’s ascent and descent, atmospheric pressure changes rapidly. The Eustachian tubes—narrow passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat—normally open to balance pressure. However, rapid descent (landing) compresses the air in the middle ear, creating a relative vacuum that pulls the eardrum inward. This vacuum is the primary cause of the "clogged" sensation. When self-induced equalization fails, intervention is required.
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The following techniques are listed in order of increasing intervention. Patients should begin with non-invasive maneuvers.
