Roller coasters linked to common ear injury, study finds
The sharp turns, ups and downs, and high speeds of today's roller coasters bring a lot of thrills, but if you're not careful, the ride could also cause damage to your ears, say physicians at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
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Source: Roller coasters linked to common ear injury, study finds
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Their case study offers the first reported link between the force of acceleration in roller coasters and a common ear injury -- ear barotrauma -- that occurs when there is a relatively quick change in pressure between the external environment, the ear drum and the pressure in the middle ear space. In its extreme, ear barotrauma can lead to temporary hearing loss, and most commonly causes dizziness, ear discomfort or pain, or a sensation of having the ears "pop." Since barotrauma from a roller coaster happens suddenly, it very difficult for the patient to equalize ear pressure by simply yawning or chewing gum. "As roller coasters continue to push the envelope of speed, otolaryngologists need to be aware of this new cause of barotrauma to the ear," says study senior author Kathleen L. Yaremchuk, M.D., Chair, Department of Otolaryngology at Henry Ford Hospital. "Based on our research, we recommend that passengers remain facing forward for the duration of the ride to not let the full impact of acceleration hit the ear." |
Source: Roller coasters linked to common ear injury, study finds
