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Diving and Your Ears: Symptoms of Underwater Pressure Problems
Published: May 07, 2024
Scuba diving is an exhilarating sport, but it can put intense pressure on your ears. Learn to recognize the symptoms of ear barotrauma to keep your underwater adventures safe and enjoyable.
Understanding Ear Barotrauma in Diving
Ear barotrauma occurs when the pressure in your middle ear doesn't match the pressure of the surrounding water. This is especially common during descent. Unlike the gradual pressure changes in flying, diving can involve several atmospheres of pressure, potentially leading to more severe injuries.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
1. Ear pain or fullness: This is often the first sign of pressure imbalance. 2. Muffled hearing or hearing loss: Pressure differences can affect your eardrum's ability to vibrate normally. 3. Tinnitus: You might experience ringing or buzzing in your ears. 4. Vertigo: In severe cases, you may feel dizzy or disoriented underwater.
Severe Symptoms Requiring Immediate Action
If you experience sudden, severe vertigo, significant hearing loss, or intense ear pain, these could be signs of inner ear barotrauma. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate ascent and medical attention. It could indicate a rupture in the membranes separating your middle and inner ear.
Post-Dive Symptoms
Sometimes, symptoms may not appear until after your dive. Watch for persistent ear fullness, continued hearing loss, or dizziness that lasts more than a few hours after surfacing. These could indicate a more serious injury that requires medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Severe cases can lead to long-term hearing or balance problems.
Equalize pressure frequently during descent and ascend slowly.
It's best to avoid diving when congested.
Children may be more susceptible to ear injuries; consult a diving professional.
Mild cases often resolve in days, severe cases may take weeks.
Dive Smart
By recognizing these symptoms early, you can take action to prevent serious ear injuries and enjoy safer dives.
References
- Parell GJ, Becker GD. Conservative management of inner ear barotrauma resulting from scuba diving. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1985; 93:393.
- Klingmann C, Praetorius M, Baumann I, Plinkert PK. Barotrauma and decompression illness of the inner ear: 46 cases during treatment and follow-up. Otol Neurotol 2007; 28:447.
- Goplen FK, Grønning M, Aasen T, Nordahl SH. Vestibular effects of diving - a 6-year prospective study. Occup Med (Lond) 2010; 60:43.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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