RT Book, Section
A1 Zafren, Ken
A1 Thurman, R. Jason
A1 Jones, Ian D.
A2 Knoop, Kevin J.
A2 Stack, Lawrence B.
A2 Storrow, Alan B.
A2 Thurman, R. Jason
SR Print(0)
ID 1181051045
T1 Middle Ear Squeeze
T2 The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e
YR 2021
FD 2021
PB McGraw-Hill
PP New York, NY
SN 9781260134940
LK accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181051045
RD 2023/10/01
AB Middle  ear  squeeze  (barotitis  media)  results  from  a  decrease  in  pressure  within  the  middle  ear  as  an  individual  descends  through  water  or  is  exposed  to  an  increase  in  atmospheric  pressure  that  can  be  seen  in  descending  aircraft  or  while  driving  in  mountainous  terrain.  According  to  Boyle’s  law,  as  pressure  increases,  volume  decreases  proportionately.  At  a  depth  of  approximately  1.2  m  (4  ft),  the  pressure  difference  is  great  enough  to  collapse  the  eustachian  tube  and  cause  obstruction.  If  attempts  to  equalize  the  pressure  such  as  a  Valsalva  or  Frenzel  maneuver  fail,  ascent  is  necessary  or  injury  may  ensue.  If  a  diver  continues  to  descend,  hemorrhage  and  edema  occur  within  the  middle  ear  and  rupture  of  the  TM  may  occur.  The  influx  of  water  into  the  middle  ear  may  cause  extreme  vertigo  and  lead  to  a  diving  disaster.