Ear problems in diving and how to prevent them

Ear problems are the most common in diving and most of them are completely preventable with the right technique.

Barotrauma or ear pressure injury

It occurs when the pressure is not adequately adjusted during landing, which leads to pain and may even rupture the eardrum in severe cases.

Stress adjustment techniques

Manufacturer Valsava
Close your nose with your hand and blow gently until you feel the ears open. These are the most commonly used, but they are not suitable for everyone.

Manufacturer Toynbee
Swallow the saliva while gently closing the nose to flatten the ear more gently.

Frenzel manifold
A more advanced technique that requires training but is the most efficient, especially at great depths.

When to stop falling

• If you feel ear pain
• If you cannot adjust the pressure after several attempts
• If you hear a painful cracking sound in the ear

Prevention of otitis externa

• Use drying ear drops after each dive
• Do not insert objects into the ear canal to clean it
• If you suffer from congestion, see a doctor before diving

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The ear is fragile and precious, so take care of it and do not complete any dive with real ear pain.