What purpose do earplugs serve in diving?

Earplugs are primarily designed to serve specific functions when diving, and understanding their use is vital for safety and comfort underwater. They are intended to protect the ears from water exposure, prevent infections, and sometimes reduce noise levels. However, wearing them while diving can interfere with the natural equalization process of the ears.

When divers descend, the water pressure increases, and the eustachian tubes need to function properly to equalize pressure in the middle ear. Earplugs can block this necessary action, leading to discomfort or, worse, barotrauma, which occurs when the pressure in the ear cannot equalize. Therefore, while earplugs might seem beneficial for protecting the ears from water or cold, their use during diving can pose significant risks.

The safest practice for divers is to avoid wearing earplugs while diving to ensure that the ears can equalize properly during descent and ascent, effectively protecting against potential ear injury.