Diving is one of the most sought-after activities around the world, providing enthusiasts with the thrill of exploring underwater environmentsproviding enthusiasts with the thrill of exploring underwater environmentsly with regards to ear injuries. A diving ear injury is a commonly occurring problem that can be prevented with proper care and awareness. In this article, we’ll discuss diving ear injury, its causes, and prevention techniques.
Different Types of Diving Ear Injury
Diving ear injury is a broad term that refers to a variety of conditions caused by a change in ambient pressure when diving. These conditions can lead to severe pain, ear bleeding, hearing loss, and even permanent damage to the eardrum. Following are the different types of diving ear injury:
Ear barotrauma
It is caused due to a change in atmospheric pressure, which leads to the eardrum inflating or deflating too rapidly, causing severe pain in the ear.
Inner ear barotrauma
It involves the inner ear and is more severe than ear barotrauma. The condition arises when rapid pressure changes cause the opening and leakage of the cochlea fluid from the inner ear, leading to vertigo, nausea, and hearing loss.
Decompression sickness
It is caused when unabsorbed Nitrogen bubbles form in the body tissues due to rapid changes in pressure, leading to pain in the joints, skin rash, and ear blockage.
Causes of Diving Ear Injury
Diving enthusiasts and professionals should be aware of the different causes of diving ear injury. Understanding the causes can help with identifying and preventing these injuries. Some of the common causes include:
- Improper diving techniques
- Failure to equalize the pressure in the ears
- Descending too fast or ascending too fast
- Water entering the ear canal
- Equipment failure
- Inadequate training
Prevention Techniques for Diving Ear Injury
The good news is that diving ear injuries can be prevented with proper care and awareness. Here are some of the techniques to prevent diving ear injury:
- Properly equalizing pressure in the ears before and during the dive. This involves pinching the nostrils and blowing gently through the nose.
- Descent or ascent should be done slowly and steadily, avoiding rapid changes in pressure.
- When water enters the ear canal, it should be immediately cleared out using a few drops of alcohol or an equal mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
- Proper diving equipment should be used every time, including masks, fins, wetsuits, and helmets for protection.
- Regular diving training and certification from recognized diving agencies should be obtained.
What to do if you experience diving ear injury?
If you experience diving ear injury, do the following:
- Immediately stop diving and stay out of the water until the issue is resolved.
- Seek medical attention from a professional to assess the extent of the injury and provide the necessary medical treatment.
- Avoid diving until the ear injury has healed completely.
Diving ear injury can cause significant damage to the ears, causing discomfort, pain, and even permanent damage. However, with proper care, awareness, and training, it can be prevented. We hope that this article has provided you with a valuable insight into the causes of diving ear injury and how to prevent it. Remember to be cautious and enjoy your diving experience safely.