How to Treat Diver's Ear

Diver's ear, also known as ear squeeze, occurs when the eustachian tube malfunctions and does not open as a diver swims deeper into the water. Pressure builds and causes pain and possible eardrum rupture. Treat diver's ear by not diving any deeper if you experience ear pain or pressure. Seek medical attention if the pain does not subside when you reach the surface of the water.

Things You'll Need

• Nasal spray
• Oral decongestants
• Pain medication
• Antibiotics
• Hearing tests

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Instructions

• 1

  Stop your dive immediately if you experience ear pain or pressure. Attempt to clear your ears by plugging your nose, closing your mouth and blowing. Return to the surface if the ear pain or pressure does not stop. Make all necessary decompression stops along the way.

• 2

  Open your eustachian tube by using nasal spray and taking oral decongestants once you reach the surface. Take antihistamines if you have a known allergy that contributes to diver's ear.

• 3

  Take pain medication if needed. Contact a doctor if the ear pain or pressure does not stop soon after reaching the surface. Ask if you need to seek immediate medical attention. If immediate medical attention is not advised, visit your doctor after you return home to check for any ear damage.

• 4

  Note if you experience nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, continued ear pain, disorientation or fluid seeping from your ear. These are all signs of a ruptured eardrum. Drive to the nearest emergency room and have your eardrum examined by the attending doctor.

• 5

  Take any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor to prevent infection. Have your ear checked by a doctor before you dive again.

• 6

  Schedule any necessary hearing tests or other follow-up appointments recommended by your doctor.