## How to Treat a Sore Ear from Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a great way to experience the underwater world, but it can also lead to a sore ear. This is because the pressure changes while diving can cause the eustachian tube to become blocked, which can lead to fluid buildup and pain.
There are a few things you can do to treat a sore ear from scuba diving:
Use a nasal decongestant. This can help to open up the eustachian tube and relieve pressure.
Take a warm shower or bath. This can help to thin the mucus in your ears and make it easier to drain.
Apply a warm compress to your ear. This can help to reduce pain and swelling.
Chew gum or suck on hard candy. This can help to open up the eustachian tube and relieve pressure.
Valsalva maneuver. This is a technique that can help to open up the eustachian tube. To do a Valsalva maneuver, pinch your nose shut, close your mouth, and try to blow out through your nose.
Toynbee maneuver. This is another technique that can help to open up the eustachian tube. To do a Toynbee maneuver, swallow while pinching your nose shut and closing your mouth.
Frenzel maneuver. This is a more advanced technique that can help to open up the eustachian tube. To do a Frenzel maneuver, swallow while pinching your nose shut and closing your mouth. Then, try to blow out through your nose.
If you have a sore ear from scuba diving that does not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.
## Preventing a Sore Ear from Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to help prevent a sore ear from scuba diving:
Equalize your ears frequently. This means swallowing or chewing gum to open up the eustachian tube and relieve pressure.
Take a decongestant before diving. This can help to keep the eustachian tube open and prevent fluid buildup.
Avoid diving if you have a cold or sinus infection. This can increase your risk of developing a sore ear.
Use earplugs. Earplugs can help to keep water out of your ears and reduce the risk of infection.
Dive with a buddy. Your buddy can help you to monitor your ears and make sure that you are equalizing properly.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing a sore ear from scuba diving.