Skip subpage navigation
Damage to the ear caused by a sudden change in air pressure within the middle ear. This may be caused by:
- A slap to the side of the head.
- A rapid change in altitude when flying or sky diving.
- Pressure changes when diving (platform diving, snorkeling, or scuba diving).
People who experience ear barotrauma may have severe ear pain or a ruptured tympanic membrane (eardrum) because of the pressure changes.
This model is useful for patient education, professional training and patient use.
- The interactive image below has a large file size and may take a long time to load on screen.
- For best results, download the file (10.7 MB) to your computer and open the original file on your desktop computer.
Please share how you are using the 3-D Ear Model by contacting us at the Hearing Center of Excellence.
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: September 22, 2023