How to Prevent Ear Barotrauma

You're descending or ascending while SCUBA diving or taking off or landing in an airplane and you feel a pressure in your ears. This is known as ear barotrauma. This middle ear pressure results from a change in barometric pressure. The Eustachian tubes (tubes leading from the inner ear to the throat) become blocked, causing pressure. Here's how you can prevent ear barotraumas.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stretch the jaw by yawning or chewing gum. Swallowing may also help to alleviate pressure associated with ear barotrauma by opening the Eustachian tubes.

    • 2

      Pinch your nostrils closed and gently blow air as if exhaling through the nose. Do not extend your cheeks. This can be a quick fix to avoid ear barotrauma, but if overused or if you blow too hard, you can cause damage to the Eustachian tubes and inner ear.

    • 3

      Hold your nose closed and make a deep throat-clearing sound. This raises the back of the tongue and the Adam's apple, compressing air at the back of the throat and allowing for an equalization of pressure.

    • 4

      Move your lower jaw forward while opening your mouth at the same time. This can help equalize any pressure that might cause ear barotrauma. Tilting your head might help as well.

    • 5

      Take a decongestant. If using an oral decongestant, take one to two hours before diving or flying. Nasal sprays can be used 15 to 20 minutes before either activity.