## How to Unclog Ears from Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but it can also lead to ear problems, such as clogged ears. This can be caused by a number of factors, including changes in water pressure, ear infections, and allergies.
While clogged ears are not usually serious, they can be painful and uncomfortable. If you experience clogged ears while scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to try to unclog them.
### Causes of Clogged Ears
The most common cause of clogged ears while scuba diving is changes in water pressure. When you dive, the pressure on your ears increases, which can cause the eustachian tubes to close. The eustachian tubes are small tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. When they are closed, air cannot enter or exit the middle ear, which can cause the eardrum to bulge and become painful.
Other causes of clogged ears while scuba diving include:
Ear infections
Allergies
Sinus congestion
Nasal polyps
Deviated septum
### Symptoms of Clogged Ears
The symptoms of clogged ears while scuba diving can include:
Pain in the ear
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Vertigo (a feeling of dizziness)
### How to Unclog Ears from Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to try to unclog your ears from scuba diving. These include:
Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver is a technique that can help to open the eustachian tubes. To perform the Valsalva maneuver, pinch your nose closed and blow gently. This should create pressure in your ears that will help to open the eustachian tubes.
Toynbee maneuver. The Toynbee maneuver is another technique that can help to open the eustachian tubes. To perform the Toynbee maneuver, swallow while pinching your nose closed. This should create pressure in your ears that will help to open the eustachian tubes.
Frenzel maneuver. The Frenzel maneuver is a more advanced technique that can help to open the eustachian tubes. To perform the Frenzel maneuver, close your mouth and pinch your nose closed. Then, try to exhale gently through your nose. This should create pressure in your ears that will help to open the eustachian tubes.
Over-the-counter decongestants. Over-the-counter decongestants can help to reduce swelling in the eustachian tubes, which can help to open them.
Nasal sprays. Nasal sprays can also help to reduce swelling in the eustachian tubes.
Ear drops. Ear drops can help to lubricate the eardrum and reduce pain.
### When to See a Doctor
If you experience clogged ears while scuba diving, and the symptoms do not improve with home treatment, it is important to see a doctor. This is especially important if you have any other symptoms, such as pain, hearing loss, or vertigo.
### How to Prevent Clogged Ears
There are a few things you can do to help prevent clogged ears while scuba diving. These include:
Equalize your ears frequently. Equalizing your ears means opening the eustachian tubes to allow air to enter or exit the middle ear. You can equalize your ears by swallowing, yawning, or performing the Valsalva maneuver.
Use earplugs. Earplugs can help to protect your ears from changes in water pressure.
Avoid diving if you have a cold or congestion. If you have a cold or congestion, your eustachian tubes may be more likely to close, which can lead to clogged ears.
Take a decongestant before diving. If you have a history of clogged ears, you may want to take a decongestant before diving. This can help to reduce swelling in the eustachian tubes and make it less likely that they will close.
Ascend slowly. Ascending slowly gives your ears time to adjust to the changes in water pressure. This can help to prevent clogged ears.
### Conclusion
Clogged ears are a common problem for scuba divers. While they are not usually serious, they can be painful and uncomfortable. There are a few things you can do to try to unclog your ears from scuba diving, including performing the Valsalva maneuver, using over-the-counter decongestants, or taking ear drops. If your symptoms do not improve with home treatment, it is important to see a doctor.