Which of the following is a sign or symptom of middle ear squeeze?

• A. Rupture of the ear drum
• B. Sharp pain in the ear
• C. Vertigo
• D. Bleeding in the middle ear

Answer: (D)

Middle ear squeeze happens when a rapid external pressure change isn’t matched by the middle ear, causing a pressure buildup across the tympanic membrane and middle ear structures. That pressure can rupture small vessels in the middle ear, leading to blood collecting behind the tympanic membrane—hemotympanum. This bleeding in the middle ear is a direct sign that the ear has been injured by the pressure change, making it a clear indicator of barotrauma. Other symptoms like pain or vertigo can occur with barotrauma, but the appearance of blood behind the tympanic membrane specifically points to middle-ear injury from the squeeze.