The rapid accelerations, high speeds, sharp turns, and ups and downs of a roller coaster may have a price — damage to your ears. Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit found a link between roller coasters and a common ear injury called ear barotrauma.
Ear barotrauma occurs when there is a quick change in pressure between the environment, the ear drum, and the pressure in the middle ear. It can lead to temporary hearing loss. Dizziness, ear pain, or "popping" ears are the most common symptoms.
Although the acceleration and speed of roller coasters, which can reach more than 125 mph, can cause the condition, the odds are increased if passengers turn their heads to the side, allowing the full impact of acceleration to strike one ear.
"As roller coasters continue to push the envelope of speed, otolaryngologists need to be aware of this new cause of barotrauma to the ear," study senior author Dr. Kathleen L. Yaremchuk, chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at Henry Ford Hospital, said in a statement.
You can still enjoy the thrills and speed of riding a roller coaster, says Yaremchuk, just take a simple precaution. "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.
"Roller-coaster riders should be aware of what they can do to prevent barotrauma from occurring," says Yaremchuk.
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