Can You SCUBA Dive If You Have Tubes in Your Ears?

Ear irrigation tubes are inserted through an incision in the ear drum to allow the inner ear to dry out, interrupting a repetitive cycle of ear infections. The tubes typically fall out on their own or are removed by a doctor, and the remaining incision heals quickly.

  1. Ear Tubes and Scuba Diving

    • The fact you had ear tubes inserted in the past is not necessarily a factor in scuba diving, though a physician should check to be sure your ear drum incisions have healed properly. About six weeks of recovery time is necessary.

    Clearing the Ears

    • The ears are subjected to pressure as divers go deeper, and it's necessary to "clear" the ears by holding the nose and blowing to avoid a painful rupture.

    Chronic Problems

    • A history of ear infections can make diving difficult as an occluded eustachian tube might make it hard to clear your ears. If you have a history of ear problems and clearing your ears on descent is difficult, you should probably reconsider diving as there is no surgical or other procedure that can correct this.

    Avoid Diving With Tubes in Place

    • If tubes are actively in place, diving should be avoided. The tube allows water to enter the inner ear, increasing the likelihood of infection or vertigo.

    Consult Your Physician

    • A visit to the doctor should confirm whether incisions have healed and whether the eustachian tube is functioning normally.