Exams and Tests

The physician will evaluate the possibility of ear squeeze with a series of questions regarding the dive. These questions not only help diagnose the ear squeeze but also detect other potential dive injuries.

• Did the diver experience difficulty clearing the ear?
  
  
• Did the symptoms begin during descent or ascent?
  
  
• Were the symptoms present during the dive or after reaching the surface?
  
  
• How long did the symptoms last?
  
  
• Is there a history of ear or sinus infections?

The physician will then examine the ear with an otoscope (ear scope). The exam may reveal:

• a normal eardrum,
  
  
• swelling and redness of the eardrum, or
  
  
• a hole in the eardrum.

Hearing loss or facial paralysis may also be present. X-rays and blood tests are not needed.