2025-03: barotrauma and ear & teeth maintenance

Discussion Leads: Sandrine

Description: About barotrauma and ear & teeth maintenance

Scuba diving can cause ear and teeth problems due to pressure changes. These problems are called barotrauma. So looking after our ears and teeth is important.
 
 

Ear problems

  1. Barotitis media: Also called middle ear barotrauma, this is an inflammation of the middle ear. It can be caused by a pressure difference between the air in the ear and the surrounding water.
  2. Ruptured eardrum: Symptoms include hearing loss, vomiting, and disorientation.

Tooth problems

  1. Barodontalgia: Also called "tooth squeeze", this is pain in the teeth caused by pressure changes. It's more common in teeth with cavities or faulty dental work.
  2. Dry mouth: This is common during and after diving, and can make pain worse

Prevention and treatment

  1. See a dentist: Before diving, get a dental check-up to treat cavities and repair faulty dental work.
  2. Equalize your ears: Equalize your ears early and often when descending.
  3. Avoid diving with sinus or upper respiratory symptoms: If you have these symptoms, don't dive.
  4. Use a custom-fitted mouthpiece: An ill-fitting mouthpiece can strain your jaw.
  5. Take pain medication: If you have ear pain, you can take pain medication, nasal spray, or eardrops.
  6. Seek medical care: If symptoms continue or you don't know the cause, seek medical care. 

Documents:

Some links:

  • In their book: Diving Medicine for Scuba Divers, J. Lipmann, J. Hissink, N. Branham &  J. Pennefather cover in clear and simple terms, and in an interesting and entertaining manner, many topics about Diving medicine, including of course barotraumas. Suitable for divers, divemasters, instructors and paramedics