How do middle ear squeeze and inner ear squeeze differ regarding symptoms?

The distinction between middle ear squeeze and inner ear squeeze is crucial in understanding their different presentations and implications.

Inner ear squeeze, often associated with barotrauma, results in symptoms like tinnitus and vertigo due to its effect on the balance and hearing structures located within the inner ear. Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present, and vertigo is the sensation of spinning or dizziness, both of which are likely due to the inner ear's sensitive response to pressure changes.

On the other hand, middle ear squeeze primarily manifests as ear pain and conductive hearing loss. The middle ear is responsible for transmitting sounds from the outer ear to the inner ear, so when pressure builds up or is lost rapidly, it can result in discomfort (ear pain) and a temporary decrease in hearing ability (conductive hearing loss). The normal transmission of sound is disrupted, leading to these symptoms.

Thus, the correct answer accurately highlights that inner ear squeeze is characterized by tinnitus and vertigo, while middle ear squeeze features ear pain and conductive hearing loss, clearly identifying the different symptom profiles of each condition.