If the person has a facial paralysis, oral steroids may be prescribed. Eardrum ruptures usually heal themselves over longer periods of time but sometimes require surgical repair. Facial paralysis, if present, most often is temporary. Mild hearing loss may continue. Divers who are unable to clear their ears or experience pain should stop their descent and abort the dive.
Divers clear their ears by several methods.
The most common is plugging the nose, closing the mouth, and blowing. This increases the pressure in the mouth and throat and pushes the eustachian tubes open. Divers should equalize their ears frequently when descending. Diving should not be attempted if any sinus or upper respiratory symptoms are present. Put nothing into the ear.