Have you ever felt that uncomfortable fullness or even pain in your ears during a flight, a scuba dive, or maybe even while driving over hills? That sensation is related to air pressure changes and your ability to equalise the pressure in your middle ear. It’s a very common experience, and it’s something that many people also encounter during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).   

Why Does Ear Pressure Change?

The feeling of pressure in your ears is related to a small passage called the Eustachian tube. This tube connects your middle ear to the back of your throat and helps to regulate the air pressure in your middle ear. When the air pressure in your middle ear is different from the air pressure outside your eardrum, you feel that uncomfortable fullness or even pain.   

Why Is Ear Equalisation Important in HBOT?

During HBOT, you breathe 100% oxygen in a chamber that is gradually pressurised to a level higher than normal atmospheric pressure.

This increase in pressure can affect your Eustachian tubes and cause discomfort if the pressure isn’t equalised properly.   

How to Equalise Your Ears

The good news is that there are several techniques you can use to equalise the pressure in your ears, and what works for one person might not work for another. Here are some common methods:

• Swallowing: This is one of the simplest and most natural ways to open your Eustachian tubes. When you swallow, the muscles in your throat help to open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow into or out of your middle ear.
• Yawning: Similar to swallowing, yawning also helps to activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. If you can’t yawn naturally, try faking a yawn by opening your mouth wide and taking a deep breath.
• Valsalva Manoeuvre: This technique involves gently blowing air out through your nose while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. The gentle pressure can help to open the Eustachian tubes. It’s important not to blow too hard, as this can cause discomfort or even damage.   
• Toynbee Manoeuvre: This is similar to the Valsalva manoeuvre, but instead of blowing air out, you pinch your nostrils closed and swallow. The combination of pinching and swallowing helps to open the Eustachian tubes.
• Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to your ear can help to reduce any congestion or inflammation that may be contributing to the pressure.
• Nasal Decongestant: If you have a cold or sinus congestion, using a nasal decongestant before your HBOT session may help to open up your Eustachian tubes.   

Important Notes:

• Don’t Force It: If you’re having trouble equalising your ears, don’t force it. Take a break and try again later. If you experience any pain, stop immediately and let your HBOT technician know.
• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: The hyperbaric chambers used in HBOT are designed to increase and decrease pressure gradually. This slow rate of change helps to minimise the risk of ear discomfort and barotrauma (injury caused by pressure changes).   
• Communication is Key: If you experience any ear discomfort during your HBOT session, let your technician know. They can adjust the pressure or offer additional tips to help you equalise your ears.   

Ear Discomfort and HBOT

It’s not uncommon to experience some ear discomfort, such as fullness, popping, or muffled hearing, during or after HBOT, especially in the initial sessions. As your body adjusts to the changes in pressure and the increased oxygen intake, this discomfort usually subsides.   

Reassurance

The discomfort you may feel in your ears is generally not a sign of damage. Damage is only caused by rapid changes in pressure, which is not the case in HBOT. The slow and controlled compression and decompression rates used in hyperbaric chambers are designed to prevent any harm to your ears.   

Conclusion

Ear equalisation is an important part of having a comfortable and successful HBOT experience. By understanding the causes of ear pressure changes and learning the various techniques for equalising your ears, you can minimise discomfort and enjoy the many benefits of HBOT.

If you have any concerns about ear health or pressure equalisation, consult with your doctor.