Which is a common sign of barotrauma during pressure changes?

• A. Ear pain or muffled hearing
• B. Nausea only
• C. Rash on the skin
• D. Excessive sweating

Answer: (A)

Barotrauma from changing pressures mainly hits the ear because the middle ear must stay equalized with the outside environment. When pressure shifts quickly, the Eustachian tube needs to open to balance the pressure across the eardrum. If it can’t, the pressure difference causes ear pain and often muffled hearing—the most common sign you’ll notice. Other options don’t fit because they aren’t typical effects of pressure changes on the ear: nausea can come from many causes, but it’s not a hallmark of barotrauma; a rash or excessive sweating isn’t related to how the middle ear responds to pressure. To help, swallow, yawn, or gently perform a Valsalva maneuver to encourage the Eustachian tube to equalize. If symptoms persist or you have severe symptoms, seek medical evaluation.