Ear Pressure Scuba Diving

Ear pressure scuba diving pain occurs during the descent portion of a dive as the diver drops deeper underwater. As the diver descends in the water, water pressure increases on the external surface of the ear drum (tympanic membrane).

To counterbalance this ear pressure, the air pressure must reach the inner surface of the ear drum. To do this, the Eustachian tube will open and allow the pressure behind the eardrum to equalize with the outside pressure of the seawater in the ear canal. But, if the Eustachian tube can't open, then as the seawater pressure in the ear canal increases, the eardrum is forced inward, inflaming the eardrum and causing pain.

If the pain is ignored and the diver drops deeper, the pressure will continue to increase and the eardrum may burst (rupture). Cold seawater will then rush into the middle ear causing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

There are many reasons that the Eustachian tubes may not open to equalize the pressure.

• Smoking

• Allergies

• Upper respiratory infection

• Nasal polyps

• Previous facial trauma

• Over-aggressive ear clearing

Pressure against the eardrum is responsible for the symptoms of ear squeeze. At low pressure, the diver has a feeling of fullness. As the pressure increases, the eardrum bulges inward, swells, and becomes painful.

Continued high pressure can rupture the eardrum. If this happens, air bubbles may be felt coming from the ear and the pain may lessen. Cold water then enters the middle ear through the hole in the eardrum. The diver may become nauseated or vomit. The diver may also become disoriented or have a sensation of spinning (vertigo).

Upon returning to the surface, the diver may feel fluid draining out of the ear if the eardrum has been ruptured. Rarely, a one-sided facial paralysis may be associated with ear squeeze. Diving Ear Pain Treatment

Self-Care at Home. The treatment of ear squeeze begins during the dive. If a diver feels fullness or pain, stop the dive and attempt to clear the ears. If ear clearing techniques fail, the dive must be ended. Always complete the decompression stops if necessary when returning to the surface.

If the eardrum ruptures, the diver may become disoriented or vomit, which may lead to panic. Panic may lead to ascending too rapidly. The diver's partner (dive buddy) should carefully observe and assist during the ascent. On the surface, keep the ear dry. Do not place anything in the ear.

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