Scuba Diving and Ear Problems

Ear pain is a very common problem among scuba divers. From beginners to advanced divers, ear pain (also known as middle ear barotrauma or "ear squeeze") can occur when a diver is making his or her descent into the ocean.

What causes ear squeeze? The pain occurs when there is a difference in pressure between the middle ear and the surrounding water. During descent, as the diver drops deeper underwater, the diver will sense ear pressure or pain if the pressure in the ears can't equalize with the surrounding water pressure. If the diver ignores the ear pain and continues to dive deeper, the pressure will continue to increase and can cause the eardrum to burst. This injury can range in severity, from mild to extreme, and can lead to inner ear damage.

If the diver is conscious of the ear pain and returns to the surface immediately, the symptoms usually resolve shortly after getting out of the water. However, if the pain does not go away, the diver should seek medical care. If the eardrum ruptures, the diver should be evaluated in a hospital's emergency department as soon as possible.

To avoid severe damage to the ear, divers need to know how to equalize the pressure while they are diving. Here are some tips to prevent ear squeeze:

• Descend slowly and equalize your ears early and often.
• If you feel any ear pain, stop your descent and ascend a few feet until the pain goes away. 
• If you are unable to clear, or equalize, your ears, you should stop your dive and return to the surface.
• Determine which method of clearing your ears works best for you.
• Do not go diving if you have any sinus or upper respiratory symptoms.

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