## What to Do if Your Ears Hurt After Scuba Diving
Diving is a great way to explore the underwater world and have some fun. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved, including ear pain. Ear pain after scuba diving is a common problem, but it can usually be prevented or treated with simple measures.
### What Causes Ear Pain After Scuba Diving?
Ear pain after scuba diving is typically caused by a change in pressure in the middle ear. When you dive, the pressure of the water outside your ears increases, which can force the eustachian tubes to close. The eustachian tubes are small channels that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. When they are closed, they can’t equalize the pressure in the middle ear, which can lead to pain.
### Symptoms of Ear Pain After Scuba Diving
The symptoms of ear pain after scuba diving can vary, but they typically include:
Pain in one or both ears
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
Vertigo (dizziness)
### How to Prevent Ear Pain After Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to prevent ear pain after scuba diving, including:
Equalize your ears often. The best way to prevent ear pain is to equalize your ears often while you’re diving. To equalize your ears, simply pinch your nose and blow gently into your ears. You should feel a popping sensation in your ears when they equalize.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make it more difficult to equalize your ears, so it’s important to stay hydrated before and during your dive.
Use earplugs. Earplugs can help to protect your ears from the pressure of the water. However, it’s important to note that earplugs can also make it more difficult to equalize your ears.
Take a decongestant. If you have a cold or allergies, taking a decongestant before your dive can help to open up your eustachian tubes and make it easier to equalize your ears.
### How to Treat Ear Pain After Scuba Diving
If you experience ear pain after scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to treat it, including:
Take a hot shower or steam. The heat and steam can help to open up your eustachian tubes and relieve pain.
Apply a warm compress to your ears. A warm compress can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Take a pain reliever. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain.
See a doctor. If your ear pain is severe or doesn’t improve after a few days, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.
### When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if your ear pain is severe or doesn’t improve after a few days. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Ear pain that is accompanied by fever and/or chills
Ear pain that is accompanied by hearing loss
Ear pain that is accompanied by dizziness
Ear pain that is accompanied by a rash or discharge
### Conclusion
Ear pain after scuba diving is a common problem, but it can usually be prevented or treated with simple measures. By following the tips in this article, you can help to reduce your risk of ear pain and enjoy your dives safely.