If you experience pain in your ears during descent, what should you do?

Experiencing pain in your ears during descent is a sign that you may be having difficulty equalizing the pressure in your ears. The correct response in this situation is to stop the descent and ascend until the pain subsides. This is important because forcing the descent can lead to barotrauma, which can result in serious injury to the ear structures.

By ascending, you allow the pressure in your ears to equalize with the surrounding water pressure, relieving the discomfort and preventing potential damage. This step is critical for maintaining your safety and well-being while diving. Proper equalization techniques, such as the Valsalva maneuver or Toynbee maneuver, can be employed before resuming your descent, ensuring that your ears can handle the increasing pressure without pain.

Continuing the descent, ignoring the pain, or immediately surfacing can lead to increased discomfort and risk of injury, making it essential to prioritize your ear health and equalization during dives.