## Do Your Ears Hurt When Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is an amazing way to explore the underwater world, but it can also be uncomfortable if your ears hurt. The pain is caused by the pressure difference between the water outside your ears and the air inside your ears. As you descend, the water pressure increases, and the air in your ears becomes compressed. This can cause your eardrums to bulge and your ears to feel full.
There are a few things you can do to relieve the pain in your ears when scuba diving:
* **Equalize your ears.** Equalizing your ears means opening your Eustachian tubes, which are the small tubes that connect your ears to your throat. You can equalize your ears by swallowing, yawning, or blowing your nose gently.
* **Use a nasal decongestant.** A nasal decongestant can help to open your Eustachian tubes and relieve the pain in your ears.
* **Take a break.** If the pain in your ears is severe, you may need to take a break from diving and ascend to a shallower depth. This will give your ears time to adjust to the pressure change.
## How to Prevent Ear Pain When Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to prevent ear pain when scuba diving:
* **Start your dive slowly.** Descending too quickly can increase the pressure difference between the water outside your ears and the air inside your ears. This can cause your ears to hurt.
* **Equalize your ears frequently.** Equalizing your ears every few feet as you descend will help to keep the pressure in your ears equalized.
* **Stay hydrated.** Drinking plenty of fluids before and during your dive will help to keep your Eustachian tubes open and prevent ear pain.
* **Avoid diving if you have a cold or congestion.** If you have a cold or congestion, your Eustachian tubes may be blocked, which can make it difficult to equalize your ears.
## What to Do If Your Ears Hurt After Scuba Diving
If your ears hurt after scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain:
* **Apply a warm compress.** Applying a warm compress to your ears can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
* **Take a pain reliever.** Taking a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce the pain in your ears.
* **See a doctor.** If the pain in your ears is severe or does not go away after a few days, you should see a doctor.
## Conclusion
Ear pain is a common problem for scuba divers, but it can be prevented and treated. By following these tips, you can help to keep your ears healthy and enjoy your scuba diving experience.