Answer:
Pressure waves originate within the inner ear at the oval window and travel through the perilymph in the scala vestibuli. Pressure waves in this structure cause deformation of the cochlear duct. The pressure waves then displace specific regions of the basilar membrane, relating to frequency. Hair cells in the cochlea of this region are distorted, initiating nerve signals in the cochlear branch of cn viii.
Explanation:
To understand what barotrauma is, you need to understand how the pressures work inside your ear. The middle ear is separated from the environment by a membrane called the eardrum; On the other hand, it communicates with the environment through an opening called the Eustachian tube, which opens into the nasal portion of the pharynx.
When the pressure within the middle ear increases, this pressure increase is balanced with the pressure of the environment by the Eustachian tube. When an airplane gains altitude, for example, the reduced atmospheric pressure inside the airplane's cabin causes gases inside the middle ear to expand. This increased pressure is drained into the environment by the Eustachian tube.
