Dealing with Ear Pain while Scuba Diving

Ear pain while scuba diving is a common problem encountered by almost every diver at some point; it is also called ear squeeze. The primary reason of this can be due to the difference in pressure between the ear and the outer environment. There can be many other causes and a person experiencing such sensation must see an ENT Specialist for a better diagnostic.

ENT Specialist Explain the Cause for Ear Pain While Scuba Diving

The pain occurs when the diver descends deeper underwater; it is because the water pressure on the tympanic membrane (ear drum) increases. The pain increases as the diver descend deeper as every 33 feet deeper under the water the atmospheric pressure changes by 1 atmosphere.

The eustachian tube plays a major in equalizing this pressure. Under normal circumstance, this tube opens and allows the pressure on the eardrum to balance with the water pressure outside in the sea. But if the eustachian tube does not open then due to the water pressure the eardrum is pushed inward causing inflaming and stretching of the ear canal and causing pain.

If the diver continues to descend deeper in the sea ignoring the pain, the eardrums may burst causing vomiting, nausea, and dizziness because the seawater rushes into the middle ear.

Some of the reasons why the Eustachian tube might not equalize can be attributed to things like smoking, extreme ear cleaning, allergies, respiratory infections, nasal polyps, and previous facial trauma.

Dealing with the Pain

It is essential that the diver immediately attends to the pain. The best way to treat or suspend the pain is to avoid diving for few days and consult a doctor. In the initial stage, oral decongestants and nasal spray might be administered to help with the eustachian tube and if an allergy persists then the physician may prescribe antihistamines.

Pain medication and ear drops may be advised to relieve the pain in the ear. If the eardrum is ruptured then an antibiotic might be required. Oral steroids may need to be administered if the patient is suffering from facial paralysis.

Few Tips for Easy Equalizing

Few precautionary measures can be practiced by the diver to avoid ear pain while diving and help the process of equalizing.

The diver can start the dive early and try to equalize the ear, it has been observed that chewing gum can help in the process. One must also observe a pop in the ears as it indicates that the eustachian tubes are opening.

It helps if you descend feet-first; it has been widely observed that if you descend feet-first, equalizing happens faster. Extend and look up to help your eustachian tubes open. ENT Specialists say that if you experience pain that means your tube haven’t opened and you need to stop.

Avoid the consumption of food that prompts the production of mucus; food like milk. Stay away from tobacco and alcohol as it irritates the mucus membranes and in turn increases the production of more mucus. Prevent water from going up the nose as it again increases the mucus production.

ENT Specialists Advice

This is a serious issue with diving and no diver should take it lightly. It can lead to serious damages to the nose, the ear and even the throat. It is also observed that some threat to the brain is also posed. The affected person should consult the doctor if they have experienced any of the symptoms or pain in the ear after or during diving. It is also advised that the diver takes a partner with them while going diving.