What is the most common type of squeeze experienced during diving?

The most common type of squeeze experienced during diving is middle ear squeeze. This occurrence is primarily due to the changes in pressure as a diver descends and ascends in the water.

When a diver goes down, the pressure outside the body increases more rapidly than the pressure inside the middle ear can equalize. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, is responsible for equalizing this pressure. If the Eustachian tube fails to open adequately to allow air to ventilate the middle ear, a pressure difference develops, leading to discomfort and potential injury known as middle ear squeeze, or barotrauma.

Divers are trained to equalize their ear pressure frequently and effectively during descent to prevent this squeeze from occurring. The management of middle ear pressure is crucial for divers to avoid pain and potential long-term damage.

Other types of squeeze, such as sinus squeeze, lung squeeze, and dental squeeze, occur less frequently and involve different mechanisms and bodily systems. For instance, sinus squeeze relates to pressure changes affecting the sinuses, and lung squeeze can occur in free divers who experience compression of the lungs during deep dives. However, middle ear squeeze is the most prevalent among recreational and professional divers due to the