A member asked:

I was scuba diving and i equalized my ears and now i am feeling this pain. should i dive tomorrow and what might i be experiencing?

11 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

Several things?: Any new pain while scuba diving (if not explainable as sore muscles) can be decompression sickness (the bends). If it's ear pain, then it could be baro-trauma (especially if you were having problems clearing your ears). I would recommend not diving tomorrow, based on what you have shared.

Answered 12/9/2013

5.4k views

Thank
Dr. Thomas Benda, jr answered

Specializes in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery

Don't dive: Don't dive until cleared by a doctor. If your ear hurts and your hearing is decreased your have fluid behind your eardrum, and diving again could make it much worse. You will not be able to clear your ears when diving.

Answered 1/29/2014

5.4k views

Thank
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

I agree with Dr. : Benda. You could have barotrauma. The grade will be one of the determinants of how long it might take to heal. Try using decongestants to aid resolution. I agree that it is best to have your ears checked by a physician who is knowledgeable about barotrauma and to have the problem resolved before diving again. Hopefully, it will heal really fast ; you can get back in the water. Take care.

Answered 1/29/2014

4.5k views

Thank
Dr. Nicholas Mexas answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

It depends: The most common injury from diving is barotrauma and in you're case it's specifically affecting the ear. Chances are it's mild but I would not dive if you're still having symptoms of pain, ringing or dizziness. I would have a medical professional look at your ears and determine how much damage was done, if any, on your tympanic membrane.

Answered 10/10/2014

3.7k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

What happens when you dive and don't equalize the pressure in your ears?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers