What happens if a diver fails to equalize their ears regularly while descending?

If a diver fails to equalize their ears regularly while descending, they may suffer from ear barotrauma. This condition occurs when there is a pressure imbalance between the outer environment and the middle ear. As a diver descends, the water pressure increases; if the diver does not equalize by allowing air to flow into the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes, the increased external pressure can cause pain and damage to the ear structures.

Ear barotrauma can manifest as discomfort, pain, and potential injury to the eardrum. In some cases, it can lead to more severe complications, such as ruptured eardrums or middle ear infections. Regular equalization helps to maintain balanced pressure within the ear, preventing these harmful effects during a dive.

Other choices may relate to diving experiences but do not address the direct consequences of failing to equalize the ears.