What Does Ringing And Pain In Ear After Swimming Mean?

Hi. The feeling of ringing in the ears and pain can be explained by the blockage of the eustachian tube (ET) due the pressure changes while deepwater swimming. This is called eustachian tube dysfunction due to otic barotrauma. The eustachian tube (ET) connects the back of the nose to the middle ear region. The ET is important for equalizing the pressure between the ear and the atmospheric environment. During swimming in deep water due to negative underwater pressure, the ET collapses and creates blockage leading to a negative pressure within the ear which pulls the ear drum inwards leading to pain and feeling of blockage. Middle ear produces mucus and secretions which drain into the nose through the ET. When the ET is blocked, this fluid accumulates inside the middle ear and creates the feeling of fluid in the ear. ET dysfunction is treatable if the ET is blocked by a mucous plug or swelling. The mainstay of treatment is opening the ET. Toynbee maneuver can be tried 3-4 times a day for about a week to help unclog the ET. The maneuver involves pinching the nose and swallowing. Swallowing pulls open the eustachian tubes while the movement of the tongue, with the nose closed, compresses air which passes through the tubes to the middle ear. (When she pinches the nose and swallows the first time, she should feel like her ears are closed. After this she must swallow once again without pinching the nose. This time her ears will feel like they have popped open) In addition to this, she may require nasal decongestants, mucolytics, anti allergy medications and nasal sprays to take care of the allergy, edema or mucus blockage. She will need to see an ENT specialist for a prescription. A hearing test is also indicated as barotrauma is known to affect the auditory nerve. Hoping for her speedy recovery. Please let me know if you have any further questions.