SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam

What should you do if you feel pain or discomfort in your ears during descent?

1. Ascend to the surface immediately

2. Equalize your pressure as you descend

3. Ascend to the point where you can comfortably equalize

4. Ignore it and continue your descent

The correct answer is: Ascend to the point where you can comfortably equalize

When experiencing pain or discomfort in your ears during descent, ascending to a level where you can comfortably equalize is the appropriate action to take. This approach allows your body to relieve any pressure that may be causing discomfort, as the sensation in the ears often arises from an imbalance between the pressure inside the ear and the ambient water pressure. By ascending slightly, you can create a more equal pressure environment, which enables you to perform equalization techniques such as pinching your nose and gently blowing, also known as the Valsalva maneuver, without the added strain of descending further. It's crucial to address ear discomfort promptly, as ignoring it can potentially lead to serious barotrauma injuries. This also means that descending further without rectifying the pressure can lead to increasing pain and risk of injury. While equalizing pressure during descent is important, if you are already experiencing discomfort, simply continuing to descend or attempting to equalize without adjusting your depth is not advisable. Ascension to a more manageable depth enhances safety and comfort, allowing for a successful dive experience without compromising ear health.