Earache after diving
Earaches that occur around diving can have various causes. If the pain develops especially in the days after the dive, an inflammation of the external auditory canal (otitis externa; bathing otitis) can be the main trigger. Prolonged stays in the water cause the skin of the external auditory canal to soften and bacteria or other germs can settle more easily.
The properties of salt water (dehydration and rinsing of the fat protective layer of the auditory canal skin) particularly promote bacterial colonization. In the course of an infection, an inflammation of the external auditory canal may occur, which is noticeable by itching, pain and a feeling of pressure. This can subside by itself, but often requires medical treatment with antibiotic and/or cortisone-containing ointments/ear drops.
If the ear pain occurs mainly during diving, the cause may be a lack of pressure equalization. The pressure is equalized by the so-called Eustachian tube (ear trumpet), which is a connection between the middle ear (tympanic cavity) and the nasopharynx. Its regular opening allows the pressure in the middle ear to be adapted to that of the outside world.
If this does not happen during diving, the volume of air in the middle ear decreases while the external pressure increases. The water pressure presses the eardrum towards the middle ear, causing increasing pain and even a rupture of the eardrum (barotrauma).
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