Sinus Pressure and Barometric Trauma

A severe cold, flu, or sinus infection can cause abnormal middle ear pressure, affecting normal hearing and generating tinnitus symptoms.

The middle and inner ear can also be damaged by acute barotrauma, which is a condition brought on by sudden and significant changes in air or water pressure.

Acute barotrauma, caused by extreme or rapid changes in air or water pressure, can also damage the middle and inner ear. Potential sources of barotrauma include:

• Diving / Snorkelling / Scuba
• Aviation (only during extreme, abnormal elevation changes; normal commercial air travel is generally safe)
• Explosive Blasts