Airplane ear occurs in people who frequent take airplanes. When altitude of an airplane suddenly changes, the atmosphere pressure also changes dramatically. The opening of eustachian tube (a small tube connecting ear and throat) cannot successfully open to adjust the intra-ear pressure. Therefore the eardrum can be damaged. Symptoms include severe tinnitus, temporary hearing loss, sense of water in ear, and ear pain. Ear pain may radiate to the sides of the head or cheeks. Patients even have dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. You can swallow saliva, eat or yawn to promote the opening of the eustachian tube to relieve discomfort. If eustachian tube cannot be opened, or there is too much liquid retention inside the ears, doctors can cut open the ear drum and drain the liquid. Antibiotics will be given to prevent infection.
How is Airplane ear treated in practice?