2026 Volume 85 Issue 2 Pages 57-63
Objectives: We investigated the clinical findings in sport scuba divers with inner ear symptoms.
Methods: The study was conducted in 152 scuba divers with inner ear symptoms and 27 healthy volunteers with no history of diving injuries. All the divers underwent audiometric measurements, including hearing testing, tympanometry, and Eustachian tube function testing (sonotubometry and impedance test), and were asked to respond to a questionnaire about the problems they experienced in relation to scuba diving. Test results from the two groups were compared.
Results: Out of all the persons who showed failure of Eustachian tube closure, 98 had tubal stenosis and 8 had a patulous Eustachian tube. Almost all of the individuals suffered from alternobaric vertigo (AV) and inner ear barotrauma (IEB), with some additionally suffering from inner ear decompression sickness, superior canal dehiscence syndrome, etc. The result of Eustachian tube function testing were significantly worse in the divers with AV/IEB s than in the healthy volunteers, while there were no significant differences between the divers with AV and IEB.
Conclusions: To prevent ear barotrauma in scuba divers, we recommend a thorough Eustachian tube function evaluation. Any dysfunction should be treated before an individual engages in scuba diving. Moreover, divers need to ensure that they dive safely within the limits of their ability.
