Have The Ears For Balloon Safari

Have the ears for balloon safari. The best way to spot wild animals in Kenya is by gliding through the vast game parks in a hot air balloon. Witnessing the feral beasts of the earth against the backdrop of the tranquility of the savannas from the vantage point of view is worth every penny. However, when enjoying safaris in a hot air balloon ride and during the descent of balloon flights for landing, there is a common problem of which people need to be aware.

Have the ears for balloon safari

It is the minor unease or clogging in the ears that can be a bit of an annoyance. It happens when the eardrum becomes tense causing dull hearing. People suffering from an upper respiratory infection, allergies, congested nose or cold may be especially susceptible to this. They may experience discomfort when they do the balloon safari. Hence, such activities, if possible, should be avoided until the allergy or infection is under control. But if it is a common cold, then there is no harm in doing a balloon safari. It is highly recommended to use personal discretion when deciding whether to go on a hot air balloon safari or not.

Causes of discomfort

Understanding and knowing what causes awkwardness in the ear when doing balloon safaris can eliminate anxiety to a large extent. At the time when balloon flights take off or land, changes in the altitude cause failure to balance pressure of the air between the middle ear and the ambient environment. Under these situations experienced during flying, fluids do not compress, but air does, causing pressure changes. Hence, the fluid-containing ear spaces do not alter their volume, but the air-containing spaces do. This alteration results in damage in the ear. This medical ear condition is called ear barotrauma. It is also called aero-otitis or airplane ear.

Change of altitude

During the balloon ride when the altitude changes, occasional ear barotrauma is common among many people. It refers to an ear discomfort or injury caused by the failure to balance the pressure of the surrounding outside environment with that of an air-containing space in the middle ear. In other words, it is the pressure difference between the internal parts of the ear and the external environment. Barotrauma occurs mostly during air travel. Passengers experience ear barotrauma, especially during the descent. Altitude changes are the common cause of this condition. If ear pain or dizziness occurs after the flight, barotrauma is suspected.

Ear barotrauma symptoms

Symptoms develop because there is a difference between the pressure in the ear and the pressure outside of the eardrum. And they only occur during the change in pressure. The most common symptoms of mild to moderate ear barotrauma are an uncomfortable pressure inside the ear, dizziness, general ear discomfort, ear pain, a sensation of clogging in the ear, stuffed feeling, or muffled hearing. Additional symptoms include a ringing in the ear, feeling of pressure as if underwater, nosebleed, hemorrhage from the ear, and eardrum injury. Vertigo or hearing loss occurring during descent is due to an air bubble that has formed in the ear. But once treated, all symptoms will go away. Loss of hearing from ear barotrauma is always temporary and reversible. The majority of people who experience ear barotrauma will recover fully without any permanent hearing loss.

Quick self-care measures

Most cases of ear barotrauma will resolve spontaneously and heal without any medical intervention. Moreover, when sudden pressure change causes pain or a sense of fullness in the ear, the discomfort can be relieved by several maneuvers. Self-care such as yawning, swallowing or chewing gum allows the flow of air into and out of the middle ear, which helps equalize pressure in the eardrum. Gargling with warm salt water can also decrease the risk of experiencing barotrauma. Other steps to prevent or lessen barotrauma symptoms include practicing breathing exercises until the ears pop. Hold the mouth closed, pinch the nose shut, and blow gently through the nose, during the time of descent of the balloon, which will force air through the eustachian tube and facilitate the process.

Mob medicated header

If everything fails, taking antihistamines or decongestants in consultation with the doctor before the flight can do the trick. Prevention of air barotrauma using vasoconstrictors or nasal decongestants gives mixed results. Also, pressure ear plugs claiming to prevent barotrauma are available in many pharmacies. Quite contrary to conventional myth, the earplugs have no adverse effect on the eustachian tube.

Seek medical attention

Ear barotrauma is usually a temporary medical condition that does not need much attention. In most cases, barotrauma heals naturally and spontaneously. Simple measures can open the ears after flying and equalize the pressure bringing immediate relief. So, the air pressure equalization occurs with little or no effort. With a mild case, the symptoms should go away with these actions shortly after landing. But complications may arise in some people.

Otoscope

The magnitude of the injury depends upon the speed and degree of the ambient pressure changes. It is essential to be aware when to seek medical treatment. If the tube demonstrates chronic problems such as significant bleeding or pain, then the likelihood of healing is drastically reduced. Such symptoms that are recurring and persistent could be a sign of chronic or severe ear barotrauma. Hence, if symptom-reducing measures do not bring relief or if ear barotrauma does not go away on its own, it is better to see a doctor as a medical examination may be required.

Treating ear barotrauma

Treatment for middle ear barotrauma consists of keeping the ear dry and free of contamination that could cause infection. In severe cases of infection or inflammation, the doctor may prescribe a steroid or an antibiotic. Decongestants and topical nasal steroids can be taken to unblock the eustachian tube. And the presence of pus in the ears may need the use of appropriate antibiotics.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Barotrauma

What is a barotrauma?

Barotrauma means the physical injuries arising due to the pressure changes between the body and the environment. This can occur when an animal or person experiences a rapid altitude change, such as when scuba diving, mountain climbing, or even flying. The condition occurs due to the sudden difference in water or air pressure on sides of the tissue, which causes it to contract or expand rapidly. Barotrauma affects many body parts, including the sinuses, ears, teeth, and lungs. Symptoms can be pain and mild discomfort to severe injuries. It can also cause collapsed lungs or ruptured eardrums. Follow proper techniques and take precautions when engaging in tasks that involve pressure changes to prevent this happening.

Why does barotrauma happen during balloon safaris in Kenya?

Barotrauma happens during balloon safaris occurs due to the altitude and pressure changes that affect the sinuses and ears of passengers. The balloon falls and rises with the currents, and people experience altitude changes ranging from a hundred feet to thousand feet. If you want to prevent this from happening, you need to take measures to normalize the pressure in sinuses and ears, such as swallowing or chewing gum, or using earplugs that regulate the changes in the pressure. Additionally, the pilot should be made aware of any medical conditions you may have, such as ear problems or sinus, that could exacerbate barotrauma risk. Balloon operators put measures in place to ensure the comfort and safety of the passengers. They limit the changes in altitude and provide the passengers instructions and guidelines on how to deal with barotrauma. But it is crucial for the passengers of hot air balloon to be cognisant of the risks and take measures to protect themselves.

What are the symptoms of barotrauma during balloon safaris in Kenya?

The barotrauma symptoms during can vary based on the severity and the body part affected. Some symptoms of barotrauma during a balloon ride include ear pain, nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, and breathing difficulty. Ear pain occurs due to the changes in the ear canal. Nosebleeds occur also occur due to the rapid pressure changes, which can cause nasal cavity blood vessels to rupture. Headache can be mild or severe. Vertigo or dizziness may occur when pressure changes affect the inner ear, causing spinning or imbalance. If barotrauma affects the lungs, it can lead to chest pain or shortness of breath.

When do you seek medical attention for barotrauma caused during hot air balloon safaris in Kenya?

Seek medical attention for barotrauma caused during hot air balloon safaris in Kenya if the symptoms are severe, worsening, or persistent. Some symptoms that require medical intervention include severe ear pain, persistent nose or ear bleeds, and dizziness. You know it is severe when they do not go away by swallowing or yawning. You may also find it difficult to stand or walk. Chest, pain, shortness of breath, and confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, blurred vision, and vision impairment are all symptoms of barotrauma that need medical attention. Contact your hotel or safari operator to arrange for care. You can also go to the medical clinic or hospital. Also, if you inform the pilot or your tour guide of these symptoms, they can assist you with medical transportation.

How do you treat barotrauma caused during hot air balloon safaris in Kenya?

Mild cases can be treated with rest, self-care, relief medications, and hydration. However, the treatment will be based on the body part affected and the severity. Severe cases require medical attention. Some treatments include decongestants, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and surgery. If it affects the ears or sinuses, decongestants are recommended to help equalize pressure and reduce inflammation in the areas. Antibiotics is used when barotrauma leads to sinus or ear infection. Similarly, oxygen therapy is used to improve oxygenation and breathing in cases pertaining to the lungs. In extreme cases, surgical intervention is required to repair ruptured tissue or eardrums. Follow the treatment recommendations and advice of your healthcare practitioner. Avoid exposure to the changes in altitude until you are better. Inform you doctor beforehand of any medical conditions you may have to help prevent barotrauma.

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