If you experience pain in the ear during descent, what should you do?

When you experience pain in the ear during descent, the best course of action is to stop the descent and ascend until the pain stops. This response is critical because ear pain during a dive often indicates that you are experiencing difficulty equalizing the pressure in your ears. If the pain persists while descending, it can lead to more serious issues, such as barotrauma, which may cause internal ear damage.

By ascending slightly, you can alleviate the pressure and discomfort as the pressure in your ear equalizes with the surrounding water. This also allows you the opportunity to clear your ears properly, using techniques such as the Valsalva maneuver or the Toynbee maneuver. Ascending gives your body the chance to adjust without risking further injury to your ears.

Continuing to descend while in pain could exacerbate the situation, leading to potential injury. Therefore, it's vital to listen to your body and prioritize comfort and safety by stopping the descent and ascending when necessary.