Diving and Ear Injuries
If you experience a reverse block during ascent, hold onto an ascent line, kelp, or anchor line while attempting to equalize the pressure.Ascending With A Reverse Block
Ascending with a reverse block must be performed slowly and carefully in order to minimize the risk of injury.
If you experience a reverse block, immediately stop your ascent, hold onto a stable ascent line, and attempt to equalize the pressure by wiggling your jaw. If your attempts to equalize are unsuccessful, and you are running low on air, you will have to surface. In this event, ascend as slowly as possible. The pressure will cause you to feel dizzy, so hold onto a vertical ascent line if available.
If one ear suddenly releases pressure, or an eardrum ruptures and allows water to enter your middle ear, you'll experience a severe whirling sensation called vertigo. If this occurs, hold onto a stationary object until the vertigo subsides.
If you experience a reverse block, immediately stop your ascent, hold onto a stable ascent line, and attempt to equalize the pressure by wiggling your jaw. If your attempts to equalize are unsuccessful, and you are running low on air, you will have to surface. In this event, ascend as slowly as possible. The pressure will cause you to feel dizzy, so hold onto a vertical ascent line if available.
If one ear suddenly releases pressure, or an eardrum ruptures and allows water to enter your middle ear, you'll experience a severe whirling sensation called vertigo. If this occurs, hold onto a stationary object until the vertigo subsides.
