Severe Otalgia Research Articles

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: A Rare Disease of Multiple Cranial Nerve Involvement

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) also known as herpes zoster oticus is a viral disease, a member of the human herpes virus family, is a late complication of varicella-zoster virus infection that results in inflammation of the geniculate ganglion of cranial nerve VII. Ramsay Hunt is a clinical diagnosis. The hallmark of the condition is multiple unilateral erythematous vesicles, which are distributed over the auricle and preceded by severe otalgia. If these symptoms are associated with facial nerve palsy, the condition is called RHS which is usually accompanied by vestibulocochlear abnormalities. Diagnosis is often missed or delayed, which can lead to an increased incidence of long-term complications. The condition is self-limiting, but treatment is targeted at decreasing the total duration of the illness as well as providing analgesia and preventing the complications that can occur. This activity reviews the role of the inter professional team in the diagnosis and treatment of RHS. Mugda Med Coll J. 2024; 7(1): 48-52

Akut mastoidite ikincil nadir görülen bir otojenik beyin apsesi tablosu

Otogenic brain abscess, precipitated by acute mastoiditis, is a rare but potentially fatal condition. It constitutes an intracranial complication that can further develop due to meningitis and sigmoid sinus thrombosis. This case underscores the critical importance of early detection and therapeutic intervention, which often pose substantial clinical challenges. This report elucidates the case of a 35-year-old female who arrived with severe otalgia, noted predominantly on the right side, coupled with discharge and vertigo. Subsequent neuroimaging unveiled the presence of basal meningitis in the right cerebellar hemisphere, accompanied by an extradural abscess and coalescent mastoid air cells. The patient's treatment protocol entailed a rigorous antibiotic regimen, continually adjusted based on symptomatic improvement. The rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment of otogenic brain abscesses are paramount. As observed in our case, factors such as limited medical knowledge, oversight in medical care, and socio-economic disadvantages contributed to the severity of the intracranial complication. These elements highlight the necessity of addressing systemic factors in healthcare to ensure effective prevention and management of such conditions.

Combination Treatment of Locoregionally Aggressive Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis and Cranial Base Infiltration.

To present a personalized approach in three cases of treatment-resistant, locoregionally aggressive forms of cANCA-positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and skull base involvement. Three patients with GPA and skull base involvement were described alongside a critical review of the current literature. All presented patients suffered from GPA with an inflammatory tumor at the skull base, alongside cerebellopontine angle involvement, cranial nerve palsies, cerebellar disorders, concomitant hearing loss, and severe otalgia. Symptoms were associated with progressive granulomatous destruction of the temporal bone, laryngopharynx, and central nervous system infiltration. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and high doses of glucocorticoid steroids were ineffective but subsequent therapy with rituximab was successful in the presented cases. The literature review showed that the course of the disease with skull base involvement is associated with poorer clinical and radiological responses to standard pharmacotherapies. Granulomatous inflammation localized in the skull base is associated with a more aggressive disease progression and is less likely to respond to pharmacotherapy. Standard induction therapy with cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoid steroids may be ineffective. A better response may be achieved by using rituximab and concomitant local treatment with glucocorticoid steroid injections.

Mastoid adenocarcinoma revealed by chronic otitis media

The diagnosis of primary carcinoma in the mastoid bone is usually made while performing a mastoidectomy in an effort to control presumed chronic mastoiditis. The chronic infection, purulent otorrhea, and severe otalgia, are the main warning signs of carcinoma of the middle ear or external auditory canal. If the amount of bony mastoid destruction is out of proportion, malignancy should be strongly suspected.

Symptom: Vertigo After Labyrinthectomy

Symptom: Vertigo After Labyrinthectomy

Uncommon otological And Head & Neck Manifestations of Wegener's Granulomatosis: A Rare Case Report.

Wegener's granulomatosis is a necrotising vasculitis affecting both arterioles and venules. The classical triad involves acute inflammation of upper airway along with inflammation of lower respiratory tract and renal involvement,however other organ system may also be affected. Our patient presented with severe unilateral earache, ear discharge, hearing loss and ipsilateral facial nerve palsy as the manifestations of the disease, which are rarely reported in medical literature1.

Efficacy and Safety of Ciprofloxacin Plus Fluocinolone Acetonide Among Patients With Acute Otitis Externa

Ciprofloxacin, 0.3%, plus fluocinolone acetonide, 0.025%, otic solution seems to be efficacious and safe in treating acute otitis externa (AOE) compared with ciprofloxacin, 0.3%, or fluocinolone acetonide, 0.025%, otic solution alone. To evaluate the superiority of ciprofloxacin, 0.3%, plus fluocinolone acetonide, 0.025%, otic solution compared with ciprofloxacin, 0.3%, or fluocinolone acetonide, 0.025%, otic solution alone in treating AOE. A phase 3 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted between August 1, 2017, and September 14, 2018, at 36 centers in the US. The study population comprised 493 patients aged 6 months or older with AOE of less than 21 days' duration with otorrhea, moderate or severe otalgia, and edema, as well as a Brighton grading of II or III (tympanic membrane obscure but without systemic illness). Statistical analysis was performed from November 14, 2018, to February 14, 2019. Participants were randomly assigned to receive ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone, ciprofloxacin, or fluocinolone twice daily for 7 days and were evaluated on day 1 (visit 1; baseline), days 3 to 4 (visit 2; conducted via telephone), days 8 to 10 (visit 3; end of treatment), and days 15 to 17 (visit 4; test of cure). The primary outcome was therapeutic cure (clinical and microbiological) at the end of the treatment period. The principal secondary end point was the time to end of ear pain. Efficacy analyses were conducted in the microbiological intent-to-treat population, clinical intent-to-treat population, and microbiological intent-to-treat population with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 493 patients (254 female patients [51.5%]; mean [SD] age, 38.2 [23.1] years) were randomized (197 to receive ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone, 196 to receive ciprofloxacin, and 100 to receive fluocinolone). Therapeutic cure in the modified intent-to-treat population with ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone (63 of 103 [61.2%]) was statistically comparable to that of ciprofloxacin (49 of 91 [53.8%]; difference in response rate, 7.3%; 95% CI, -6.6% to 21.2%; P = .30) and fluocinolone (20 of 45 [44.4%]; difference in response rate, 16.7%; 95% CI, -0.6% to 34.0%; P = .06) at visit 3 and significantly superior to ciprofloxacin at visit 4 (90 of 103 [87.4%] vs 69 of 91 [75.8%]; difference in response rate, 11.6%; 95% CI, 0.7%-22.4%; P = .04). A statistically faster resolution of otalgia was achieved among patients treated with ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone (median, 5.0 days [range, 4.2-6.3 days]) vs ciprofloxacin (median, 5.9 days [range, 4.3-7.3 days]; 95% CI, 4.3-7.3 days; P = .002) or fluocinolone (median, 7.7 days [range, 6.7-9.0 days]; 95% CI, 6.7-9.0 days; P < .001). Ciprofloxacin plus fluocinolone demonstrated statistical superiority in sustained microbiological response vs ciprofloxacin (94 of 103 [91.3%] vs 74 of 91 [81.3%]; difference in response rate, 9.9%; 95% CI, 0.3%-19.6%; P = .04) and fluocinolone (34 of 45 [75.6%]; difference in response rate, 15.7%; 95% CI, 2.0%-29.4%; P = .01) and in the microbiological outcome vs fluocinolone by visit 3 (99 of 103 [96.1%] vs 37 of 45 [82.2%]; difference in response rate, 13.9%; 95% CI, 2.1%-25.7%; P = .01) and ciprofloxacin by visit 4 (97 of 103 [94.2%] vs 77 of 91 [84.6%]; difference in response rate, 9.6%; 95% CI, 0.9%-18.2%; P = .02). Fifteen adverse events related to study medications were registered, all of which were mild or moderate. Ciprofloxacin, 0.3%, plus fluocinolone acetonide, 0.025%, otic solution was efficacious and safe in treating AOE but did not demonstrate superiority vs ciprofloxacin, 0.3%, or fluocinolone acetonide, 0.025%, otic solutions alone in the main study end point of therapeutic cure. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03196973.

Keratosis obturans masquerading as cholesteatoma- A case report

Keratosis obturans is a condition of the external auditory canal, characterised by the stratified accumulation of keratin plugs within the external auditory canal. The progressive accumulation of keratin debris can lead to the gentle erosion and widening of the canal eventually. Whereas, Cholesteatoma also known as active squamosal chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a benign keratinizing epithelialized cystic structure found in the middle ear and mastoid. It can cause destruction of the local structures – ossicular chain and otic capsule, thereby leading to complications such as hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, facial paralysis and intracranial disease or infection. Both these entities may present with severe otalgia and conductive hearing loss with radiological evidence of bony erosions. The similarity in clinical presentation can cause confusion between these two conditions. We present a case of keratosis obturans that was misdiagnosed as active squamosal CSOM. The case was diagnosed and managed by microscope guided examination and exploration under general anaesthesia.

An unusual presentation of scrub typhus in a child: a case report

BackgroundScrub Typhus (ST) is an acute, febrile zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi which is endemic to the Asia-Pacific region. Infected adults rarely present with sensorineural hearing loss and otalgia. Though few cases of pediatric cases are known to present with otalgia, no pediatric cases of sensorineural deafness complicating ST have been reported to date.Case presentationA 5-year-old, previously healthy girl presented with a one-week history of high-grade intermittent fever, Headache and right ear pain with a recent onset of reduced hearing. She had a fever up to 39 °C, cervical lymphadenopathy, bilateral pleural effusion with diffuse infiltrations, and mild hepatosplenomegaly with no evidence of rash. Her initial examination was normal except for mildly enlarged tonsils. Unilateral right ear hearing loss was noted using Weber’s test. Evidence of progressive, mild anemia, and raised inflammatory markers was noted. Diagnosis of scrub typhus was confirmed by positive detection of Orentia tsutsugamushi IgM antibodies on rapid diagnostic test and the presence of chigger mite in the right external auditory canal on repeat examination. She responded dramatically to the empirical treatment of ceftriaxone and doxycycline. On follow-up, she did not have any residual hearing loss and her ear pain had resolved completely.ConclusionAcute onset hearing loss or severe otalgia with or without findings should be an important diagnostic clue for suspecting scrub typhus in patients who present with a history of fever especially in endemic areas.

Is adding an oral antibiotic with the topical antibiotic steroid useful in treatment of uncomplicated acute otitis externa in immunocompetent patients?

Acute otitis externa (AOE) is a common disease encountered in otolaryngology practice, it is mainly bacterial in origin. AOE can cause severe otalgia and can interrupt the daily activities; however, bed rest is required in about 20% of the patients. To evaluate the usefulness of adding an oral antibiotic with the topical antibiotic steroid in the treatment of uncomplicated AOE which is limited to the ear canal in immunocompetent patients. A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted in the department of otolaryngology at Al-Jerrahat Teaching Hospital and Private Clinic, Baghdad, Iraq, during the period from April 2020 to October 2021. A total of 68 immunocompetent patients (39 females and 29 males), diagnosed as cases of uncomplicated AOE which is limited to the ear canal, were included in this study. The patients were categorized into two groups. Patients in group A were treated with topical tobramycin 0.3%-dexamethasone 0.1% drops, while patients in group B received the same treatment as group A patients plus oral Ciprofloxacin tablets 500 mg twice daily. The patients were followed up on day-to-day basis until complete resolution of pain and edema. The severity of pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, while edema was graded by dividing the ear canal by imaginary horizontal and vertical lines into four quarters. The post-treatment pain VAS scores and edema grades of both groups were compared. Statistical analysis using t-test was done to calculate P-value in order to find if there is a significant difference regarding the resolution of pain and edema between group A and group B. During the whole follow-up period there was no significant difference between group A and group B patients regarding the resolution of pain and edema (P-value was more than 0.05). There is no significant benefit of adding an oral antibiotic with the topical antibiotic steroid in the treatment of uncomplicated AOE limited to the ear canal in immunocompetent patients.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Revealing HIV Conditions

Objective: To discuss the diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of a case of herpes zoster oticus associated with facial palsy in HIV conditions. Case Study: We report the case of a 32-year-old married female beautician patient admitted with severe right otalgia associated with a fever that had been evolving for three days. The addition of homolateral otorrhea and headache was noted. The initial examination on admission noted a vesicular rash of the pinna and the external third of the right external auditory canal with a normal tympanic membrane. The evolution was marked 48 hours later by the appearance of a right facial palsy grade V. The CT scan of the rock showed a mastoid and maxillary sinus hypodensity. The paraclinical exploration found a positive retroviral serology to HIV 1 and 2. The diagnosis retained was a Ramsay Hunt syndrome on HIV condition associated with ipsilateral maxillary sinusitis and mastoiditis. The treatment administered was a combination of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid injection of 3 g per day + oral aciclovir 200 mg, acetaminophen 1 g injectable every 6 h, betamethasone 4mg per day, vitamin B complex, artificial tear. Therapeutic inclusion in the HIV/AIDS national program was performed. The evolution was marked by the total regression of the facial palsy after six months of treatment. Conclusion: Otogenic diseases in HIV remain a problem in our context where the circumstances of discovery are most often fortuitous, hence the need to search for the serological status in front of any suspicion of viral infection in adults. The status may constitute a triggering factor or a factor of the severity of the pathology or of the symptoms such as facial palsy or deafness in our case. Early and adapted management has been shown to improve the prognosis.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia and Somatic Tinnitus Caused by a Small Tonsillolith

A 66 years old male presented with severe right-sided otalgia and throat pain, which persisted more than a year. He also complained of bilateral tinnitus. Tinnitus was continuous and high-pitched. Severe pain usually followed swallowing food. Pressing his right tonsil aggravated such symptoms. Pure tone audiogram showed both high frequencies hearing loss. Neck CT image revealed a small tonsillolith in his right tonsil. Gabapentin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduced the intensity of pain, but could not eradicate the pain. Finally, we performed radiofrequency tonsil ablation to eliminate right side tonsillolith. After ablation, pain immediately subsided and his tinnitus also disappeared. Tiny impacted tonsillolith may induce glossopharyngeal neuralgia and somatic tinnitus.

Unusual presentation of an intracochlear schwannoma

In this report, the authors discuss the case of a 49-year-old male presenting with sudden onset moderately severe left-sided Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), tinnitus, left otalgia, and disequilibrium. Prior to referral to our facility, an MRI was obtained which demonstrated non-specific asymmetric enhancement of the left cochlea that was initially suspected to be labyrinthitis. Patient was treated with valacyclovir and a prednisone burst-taper prior to referral. Despite this treatment, his left SNHL worsened, and he was noted to have left-sided peripheral weakness on Videonystagmography (VNG). Upon referral to our facility, MRI demonstrated an Intra-Cochlear Schwannoma (ICS), with possible associated hemorrhage into the cochlea. After discussion of treatment options, repeat imaging in 6-month interval demonstrated stable persistence of the lesion with no growth. The patient is currently being followed with a “Wait-andScan” regimen. Sudden unilateral SNHL is a rare presenting symptom for ICS and this case highlights not only the rarity in presentation, but also the complexity in diagnosis due to the possibility of intracochlear hemorrhage complicating the imaging work-up. Keywords: Intra-labyrinthine schwannoma; vestibular schwannoma; sensorineural hearing loss; disequilibrium. Abbreviations: SNHL: Sensorineural Hearing Loss; VNG: Videonystagmography; ICS: Intracochlear Schwannoma; MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; IAC: Internal Auditory Canal; ILS Intra-Labyrinthine Schwannomas; CT: Computed Tomography; SRT: Speech Reception Threshold.

Surgical Treatment of Malignant Otitis Externa MOE A New Hope Although Challenging

Objective: Malignant external otitis is an aggressive inflammatory condition of the external auditory canal. Most often affects elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. This is a serious disease which spreads in the skull base associated with cranial nerve complications and high morbidity-mortality rate. Malignant otitis externa requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. The primary and most effective treatment is to control the diabetes and to fight infection with the proper antibiotic in adequate dose and duration. If medical treatment fails aggressive surgical management is the only option to save life. We present a short experience in the management of this disease. The aim of this study was to present our experience with the surgical management of malignant otitis externa. Methods: All patients' records with malignant otitis externa during the last 5 years (2007-2012) were retrieved and reviewed. Diabetes mellitus profile, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ear swab for culture and sensitivity, computed tomography, were investigated for all patients. Results: During the last 5 years (2014-2019), 5 patients with the diagnosis of malignant otitis externa were admitted to our hospital for investigation and treatment. All between 60 and 70 years of age, with severe persistent otalgia, purulent otorrhea, granulation tissue in the external auditory canal, and diffuse external otitis, and there were 2 patients with facial nerve palsy. Patients were confirmed to have diabetes. Ear swabs for culture and sensitivity usually revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa. One patient by systemic antibiotic and two patients were treated by Local debridement and systemic antibiotics were sufficient to control the disease. Two patients were treated by aggressive surgical debridement (skull base debridement) with 360degree Facial nerve decompression. Patients were recovered from dreadful necrotizing infection but with facial paralysis. Conclusion: Malignant otitis externa is still a serious disease associated with cranial nerve complications and high morbiditymortality rate. The primary and most effective treatment is to control the diabetes and to fight infection with the proper antibiotic in adequate dose and duration, debridement of necrotic tissue, and sometimes aggressive surgical management. Monitoring of therapy response is done through normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, control of diabetes mellitus.

Otitis Media

Key Points Acute otitis media (AOM) may be treated with close observation only in the following children without severe signs or symptoms (severe otalgia or fever &amp;gt;39°C (102.2°F): Those 6 to 24 months of age with unilateral or bilateral otitis media Those older than 24 months with bilateral otitis media First-line antibiotic treatment for AOM is high-dose amoxicillin (90 mg/kg/d). Children younger than 24 months: 10-day course Children 2 to 5 years of age: 7-day course Children older than 5 years with mild symptoms: 5-day course

A rare cause of severe earache: a tick in the external auditory canal

Although tick is rarely seen in the external auditory canal, it may cause pain and tinnitus in the ear. In addition, it is also important in terms of causing Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever disease. In this report, we presented the treatment of a 60-year-old patient who was admitted to the Emergency Service with pain in the left ear and who had a tick in the external auditory canal together with literature data. Removing he tick from the external ear canal with the alligator forceps in a careful manner is important in terms of preventing many diseases that might occur due to the tick.

Herpes zoster oticus among pediatric patients: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Introduction: Herpes zoster oticus (HZO) occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. It is characterized by erythematous vesicular eruptions on the pinna and external auditory canal with severe otalgia. When it is associated with ipsilateral facial nerve paralysis, a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) can be made. It is rare in the pediatric age group but with low immunity, so prone for increased risk of disseminated infections, neurological complications, and recurrence of infections. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile and management of the HZO among pediatric patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 24 pediatric patients of HZO were reviewed those presented during the period of December 2015–January 2020. All pediatric patients underwent thorough clinical examinations before getting the diagnosis. All the participants also underwent thorough neuro-otological and otolaryngological examinations. Results: Out of 24 pediatric patients, 15 were boys and 9 were girls. All were in the pediatric age group with age ranging from 5 years to 16 years. After the diagnosis of HZO/RHS, all were treated with acyclovir for 10 days along with tapering dose of deflazacort, labyrinthine sedatives, and eye care in case of facial palsy. All the pediatric patients were recovered by our treatment protocol except 3 cases those are still in follow-up with facial weakness. Conclusions: Adequate awareness for the HZO in pediatric patients is required, and the management of RHS patients is paramount among pediatrician or pediatric otorhinolaryngologists.

Otite externa necrotizante com paralisia facial periférica e trombose do seio cavernoso

Otite externa necrotizante (OEN), conhecida antigamente como otite externa maligna (OEM), atinge o conduto auditivo externo, causando otalgia intensa, otorreia fétida, e em casos mais severos, comprometimento dos ossos do crânio e déficit neurológico. O agente etiológico mais comum é a Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Acomete principalmente pacientes idosos, diabéticos e imunodeprimidos. O comprometimento de nervo craniano levando a paralisia facial e trombose dos seios intracranianos são de piores prognósticos. O diagnóstico depende da suspeita clínica inicialmente. Os exames complementares são imprecisos, embora essenciais no seguimento. A abordagem multidisciplinar é sempre recomendada. O objetivo do trabalho é relatar as complicações clínicas de um caso de otite externa necrotizante com paralisia facial que evoluiu para trombose do seio cavernoso, levando ao óbito.

A retrospective review of 14 cases of malignant otitis externa

BackgroundMalignant otitis externa is an inflammatory condition of the external ear which has the propensity to spread to the skull base. It can be a difficult entity to treat as clinical presentation varies and response to treatment differs between patients. We reviewed cases of malignant otitis externa in our setup to document the epidemiology and outcome of management. MethodsThis is a retrospective case review observational study from January 2013–December 2017. Fourteen patients diagnosed with malignant otitis externa in our tertiary referral centre were included in the study. Based on hospital protocol, empiric treatment was started. After discharge, the patients follow up visits to the hospital were also documented. ResultsOtalgia was the most common symptom. Edema and congestion of the external auditory canal were observed in most cases. Diabetes was present in all patients. Three cases had associated facial palsy, and one patient had involvement of 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th cranial nerve. Two patients with facial palsy recovered. Pseudomonas aeuroginosa was the most common organism isolated (50%). ConclusionsIn our series, malignant otitis externa invariably presented with severe otalgia. Lower cranial palsies were also seen. Methods to evaluate complete eradication of disease should be centered on clinical symptoms and signs, but the measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate or radiological imaging may be used as a useful adjunct when there is uncertainty.

"Airplane ear"-A neglected yet preventable problem.

Airplane ear or ear discomfort during flight is common irrespective of ticket price we pay for our flights according to class. Whether we get extra leg space or extra facilities during flying in business class, air travelers often face this problem of airplane ear (Figure 1). Airplane ear is also known as ear barotrauma, barotitis media or aerotitis media [1]–[5]. Severe earache affects individuals of varying levels of social determinants of health as it is entirely a physiological phenomenon [3]. Airplane ear is commonly experienced when the airplane is ascending or descending, which makes it one of the commonest health problems for people travelling in air routes. Open in a separate window Figure 1. Airplane ear. 2. Etiology Generally, airplane ear occurs due to quick changes in altitude and quick changes in air pressure [4]. In normal physiological conditions, the air pressure in our middle ear cavity is nearly equivalent to that of the external ear canal. This equalization of air pressure is maintained physiologically and contributes to regular auditory function and maintenance of normal balance among individuals. However, the eustachian tube dysfunction may occur with any changes in pressure and failure to ventilate through the middle ear space. This may result in outward bulging of the tympanic membrane causing moderate to severe earache. This phenomenon can be compared with a bread expanding while baking [3],[5]. Conversely, due to the vacuum effect, if the air pressure inside the middle ear space reduces rapidly compared to the external ear pressure, the tympanic membrane may be pulled inside due to the pressure gradient. The eustachian tube becomes flattened during the pressure changes and it necessitates bringing air into the middle ear (Figure 2). During sudden ascend or descend of an aeroplane, ear cavity pressure is often decreased complemented by an increase in the cabin compared to the outside air pressure. In such a scenario, the unusual stretching of the eardrum or tympanic membrane may precipitate pain in the ear. At the same time, individuals may also experience decreased hearing abilities and muffled sounds as the eardrum as it becomes unable to vibrate normally [2]–[4]. Open in a separate window Figure 2. Imbalance of air pressure in the middle ear. The pathophysiology remains the same in cases of scuba diving, in hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and during explosions happening nearby [2].