Treatment for barotitis media includes the Valsalva maneuver:

• Close your mouth and pinch your nose.
• Take a deep breath.
• Expel the air from your lungs against the pinched nose and closed mouth: this forces air into the middle ear.

This maneuver usually equalizes the pressure between the middle ear and the outside air, and relieves the pain. If you are flying, this may need to be repeated several times during ascent and descent.

Additional treatment for barotitis media includes:

• Antihistamines:
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Decongestants:
• Oxymetazoline
• Phenylephrine
• Pseudoephedrine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain
• Narcotic pain medication
• Surgery for barotitis media:
• To repair a ruptured ear drum
• Barotitis media clinical trials