Ear Pain, Scuba Diving (cont.)
Medical Author:
Barbara J. Drobina, DO
Barbara J. Drobina, DOBarbara J. Drobina, DO is an Emergency Physician in the United States Navy. Dr. Drobina graduated from University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines, IA. Dr. Drobina completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, VA. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Diving Ear Pain SymptomsPressure 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. Next Page: |
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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.
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