Diving, whether in a pool, off a cliff, or underwater with scuba gear, is an exhilarating activity that requires skill and caution. But like all sports, it carries the risk of injury.
Among the various injuries that can happen, one stands out as the most common—and potentially the most dangerous. What is it, and how can it be prevented?
Most Common Injury in Diving
Let’s dive deeper into the subject to uncover the details.
Diving involves rapid movements, shifts in pressure, and physical strain on the body. While some injuries are mild, others can be severe or even life-threatening.
Injuries can occur during both recreational diving and competitive events. Some happen in shallow waters, while others are related to depth and pressure changes in scuba diving.
Diving injuries fall into two broad categories: traumatic injuries and pressure-related injuries. Traumatic injuries occur due to impact with water, objects, or equipment.
Pressure-related injuries are a result of improper equalization of pressure within the body as divers descend or ascend. Among these categories, a single injury stands out as the most common in diving.
The Most Common Diving Injury: Ear Barotrauma
Ear barotrauma is the most common injury divers experience. It occurs when there is a failure to equalize pressure between the outer and middle ear while diving.
As divers descend into deeper waters, the pressure around them increases. If a diver is unable to equalize this pressure properly, it can lead to damage to the eardrum, middle ear, and inner ear structures.
Ear barotrauma can cause pain, dizziness, hearing loss, and, in severe cases, ruptured eardrums. Many divers experience discomfort when they fail to “clear” their ears properly while descending, which should act as a warning sign to stop, equalize, and adjust.
Why Does Ear Barotrauma Occur?
This injury is typically a result of improper equalization techniques. When the pressure outside the ear increases rapidly, as it does underwater, divers must equalize by using techniques such as:
- Swallowing
- Valsalva maneuver (pinching the nose and blowing gently)
- Frenzel maneuver (moving the tongue in a specific way to open the Eustachian tubes)
If these techniques aren’t performed correctly, the pressure inside the ear remains lower than the surrounding water pressure, leading to trauma in the ear tissues. Congestion, colds, or sinus infections can also increase the likelihood of barotrauma as they make equalization more difficult.
Symptoms of Ear Barotrauma
Divers may not realize they are experiencing ear barotrauma until symptoms become severe. Some of the common signs include:
- Sharp pain in the ear
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Fluid or blood coming from the ear
- Hearing loss
If these symptoms are noticed during or after a dive, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to prevent further damage.
Other Common Diving Injuries
While ear barotrauma is the most frequent injury, other diving injuries are also prevalent. These include:
Sinus Barotrauma: Similar to ear barotrauma, sinus barotrauma occurs when there’s a pressure imbalance in the sinuses. It can cause sharp facial pain and nosebleeds.
Decompression Sickness (DCS): Also known as “the bends,” DCS happens when a diver ascends too quickly, causing nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood. Symptoms include joint pain, dizziness, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Cuts and Abrasions: Divers may experience cuts from equipment or underwater objects like coral and rocks. These injuries are often minor but can become infected if not treated properly.
Spinal Injuries: Poor diving technique, especially in shallow water, can lead to spinal injuries, including fractures. These injuries are more common in high-impact dives like cliff or platform diving.
Preventing Ear Barotrauma
Preventing ear barotrauma requires attention to technique and body signals during a dive. Here are some essential tips:
Equalize Early and Often: Start equalizing before you feel pressure. As you descend, continue to equalize every few feet.
Ascend if Necessary: If you’re having trouble equalizing, ascend slightly and try again. Never force an equalization.
Stay Healthy: Avoid diving when you have a cold, sinus infection, or congestion. These conditions make it harder to equalize.
Take a Dive Course: Proper training can help divers learn how to equalize safely and prevent injuries. Courses offer essential tips and techniques for managing pressure changes.
Use Ear Protection: Specialized earplugs designed for divers can help regulate pressure and reduce the risk of barotrauma. However, these should only be used with proper training and guidance.
Treating Ear Barotrauma
If you suspect you’ve suffered ear barotrauma, it’s important to stop diving immediately and seek medical attention.
Most cases are mild and heal with rest, but severe cases may require medical intervention such as:
- Antibiotics (if there’s an infection)
- Nasal decongestants
- Surgery for ruptured eardrums
Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
FAQs
What happens if you don’t equalize when diving?
Failing to equalize can lead to ear barotrauma, which may cause severe pain, dizziness, and potential damage to the eardrum or inner ear.
Can you dive with a cold?
It’s not recommended to dive with a cold because congestion makes it harder to equalize, increasing the risk of ear barotrauma.
How can I improve my equalization technique?
Practice equalizing on land by using the Valsalva or Frenzel maneuvers. Dive courses also provide hands-on training to refine your technique.
How long does it take to recover from ear barotrauma?
Mild cases heal within a few days, while severe cases might take weeks and require medical treatment.
What’s the difference between ear barotrauma and decompression sickness?
Ear barotrauma results from pressure imbalances in the ear, while decompression sickness occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body due to rapid ascent.
Are diving injuries common?
Yes, especially if proper precautions aren’t taken. However, most injuries can be avoided with training and careful attention to safety.
Conclusion
Diving injuries can be serious, but most, including ear barotrauma, are preventable with proper technique and awareness.
The key to avoiding this common injury lies in understanding how pressure affects the body and how to equalize effectively.
Whether you’re new to diving or experienced, staying alert to your body’s signals can help ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience.