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First Aid Center
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Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.

Diving Ear Pain Treatment

Self-Care at Home

The treatment of ear squeeze begins during the dive. If a diver feels fullness or pain, stop the dive and attempt to clear the ears. If ear clearing techniques fail, the dive must be ended. Always complete the decompression stops if necessary when returning to the surface.

If the eardrum ruptures, the diver may become disoriented or vomit, which may lead to panic. Panic may lead to ascending too rapidly. The diver's partner (dive buddy) should carefully observe and assist during the ascent. On the surface, keep the ear dry. Do not place anything in the ear.

Medical Treatment

The most important treatment was done by aborting the dive and ascending to the surface, making any necessary decompression stops.

  • Initial treatment involves the use of oral decongestants and nasal spray to help open the Eustachian tube. Antihistamines may also be prescribed if an allergy is a contributing factor.
  • Pain medications can be helpful. Eardrops to relieve pain may be used if the eardrum is not ruptured.
  • A ruptured eardrum will require antibiotics by mouth to prevent infections.
  • If the patient has a facial paralysis, oral steroids may be prescribed.

more information from eMedicineHealth

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD on July 18, 2008

Last updated: July 18, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.

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