What should a diver do if they experience ear pain during descent?

When a diver experiences ear pain during descent, the appropriate action is to equalize the pressure in the ears or ascend slightly to alleviate the discomfort. This is essential because ear pain often indicates that pressure is not being equalized effectively, which can lead to barotrauma—an injury caused by the pressure difference across the eardrum.

Equalizing techniques, such as the Valsalva maneuver or the Frenzel maneuver, should be employed to balance the pressure in the middle ear with the external water pressure. If the pain persists despite equalizing efforts, ascending slightly allows the diver to decrease the external pressure and provide relief from the discomfort. Continuing the descent without addressing the ear pain can result in significant injury, such as potential rupturing of the eardrum.

This approach is consistent with safe diving practices and emphasizes the importance of maintaining equal pressure in the ear during changes in depth, thereby preventing serious complications.