Scuba Diving: Ear Pain
- Ear Pain, Scuba Diving - Overview
- Diving Ear Pain - Causes
- Diving Ear Pain Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Diving Ear Pain Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Ear Pain, Scuba Diving - Overview
Ear pain is the most common complaint from scuba divers and is experienced by almost every diver at some point. Some divers call it ear squeeze. The pain occurs because of differences in pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.
Next: Diving Ear Pain - Causes »
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
First Aid Resources
- 12 Tips to Fight Colds, Flu and Other Viruses
- Babies and Fever: When Parents Should Worry
- Is Your Baby a "Happy Spitter"?
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Scuba Diving: Ear Pain
Ear Infection Overview
Infection can affect the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum, or the middle ear (otitis media). Most ear injuries are caused by pressure changes during direct injury (such as a blow to the ear) or sport scuba diving, but, a persistently painful ear may signal an infection that requires treatment. Because an ear scope (otoscope) may not be available to examine the canal and inner ear in remote locations, starting therapy may be appropriate until a doctor can be reached.
Picture of the outer and inner structures of the ear
Ear Infection Symptoms
- Symptoms of ear infection include:
- ear pain,
- fullness in the ear,
- hearing loss,
- ringing,
- discharge from the ear,
- nausea,
- vomiting , and
- vertigo.
- Symptom...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Dysbarism »
Although dysbarism includes problems associated with high altitude and aerospace endeavors, dysbarism also relates to the increasing pressures of descending under water that are usually experienced in free or assisted dives.

