Surfacing too quickly from a dive could be more or less equivalent to shaking up a can of soda, then opening it. The only difference being that the fizz goes into the blood stream instead of on ones clothes. The results can be catastrophic. Middle ear squeeze results from an upper respiratory tract infection or allergies. Common symptoms include ear pain and occasionally, temporary hearing loss.
Treatments vary upon the findings made by a physician.
Inner Ear Barotrauma Inner ear barotrauma is the result of unsuccessful attempts or failure to equalize the inner ear during a dive. Under these conditions, a reverse block can occur, as well as a rupture of the ear drum. Most patients recover spontaneously. Complaints from the diver include chest pains or tightness, sometimes associated with swelling and a crackling sound in the neck. These conditions usually subside with the administration of 100 percent oxygen.