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Barotrauma

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Barotrauma

Ear pain caused by the eardrum bulging inwards due to changes in air pressure, specifically in an aircraft.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the ear.
  • It may cause partial hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
  • The symptoms usually disappear after a few hours.

Seriousness:

Treat this yourself.

Treatment:

  • Barotrauma may be prevented by bottle or breastfeeding babies during take-off and landing.
  • It may also help to suck a dummy or sweet, swallow hard or chew gum. 
  • Teach your child to "pop" her ears by blocking her nose and closing her mouth and blowing.
  • Relieve the pain with liquid paracetamol.
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