Is barotrauma serious?

Most forms of barotrauma are not usually serious. In most cases, ear barotrauma can be alleviated by yawning or chewing gum, and it goes away in a few hours at most. Serious cases can cause pain, short-term hearing loss, and ear infections. Very rarely, it can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. Lung barotrauma is more potentially serious. It can inhibit blood flow by allowing air into blood vessels or chest tissue.