SSI Open Water Diver Practice Exam

Preventing sinus squeeze can be effectively managed by avoiding diving when experiencing congestion or a cold. When a diver has a cold, nasal passages and sinuses may become inflamed and obstructed. This inflammation can prevent equalization of pressure in the sinuses, making it difficult to balance the pressure changes experienced during diving. Consequently, diving with an existing cold can lead to difficulty equalizing, which heightens the risk of sinus squeeze.

Maintaining clear sinuses is essential for safe diving, as this allows air to flow freely and pressures to equalize properly during descent and ascent. By ensuring one's sinuses are clear—by refraining from diving when experiencing a cold—divers can significantly reduce the risk of sinus squeeze.

Other techniques, such as the Valsalva maneuver or tilting the head, are methods used to equalize pressure but are less effective if the sinuses are already obstructed due to illness. Wearing earplugs can also interfere with pressure equalization and is not a method recommended for managing sinus pressure.