Ear Problems in Freediving and Spearfishing: Prevention, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor

Ear problems are one of the most common and frustrating issues that freedivers and spearfishers deal with. After years of battling ear infections, equalization difficulties, and painful inflammation that kept me out of the water for weeks at a time, I've learned the hard way what works and what doesn't when it comes to protecting your ears. If you've ever had to sit on the beach watching perfect conditions go to waste because of an ear issue, this guide is for you.

Understanding the most common ear problems in freediving, how to prevent them, and how to treat them when they happen will keep you in the water longer and protect your long-term hearing health. Here's everything a spearfisher needs to know about ear care.

Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa): The Most Common Culprit

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria thriving in the warm, moist environment created by repeated water exposure. Symptoms include itching, redness, pain when you tug on your ear, and discharge. If you're diving frequently, especially in warm saltwater, swimmer's ear is almost inevitable without proper prevention.

Prevention is simple: dry your ears thoroughly after every dive session. Tilt your head to each side and let gravity drain the water out, then use a towel or a gentle stream of air from a hairdryer on a low setting. A preventive ear drop made from equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be applied after diving to kill bacteria and dry the canal. If you develop a full infection, see a doctor for antibiotic ear drops and stay out of the water until it clears completely.

Barotrauma: What Happens When Equalization Fails

Barotrauma is pressure-related damage to the ear that occurs when you descend without properly equalizing. As you go deeper, increasing water pressure compresses the air spaces in your middle ear. If you don't equalize that pressure through your Eustachian tubes, the eardrum can stretch, bruise, or in severe cases, rupture. Symptoms range from mild pain and fullness to sharp pain, hearing loss, and dizziness.

The only real prevention for barotrauma is proper equalization technique. Start equalizing before you feel pressure, equalize frequently during descent, and never force equalization through pain. If you can't clear, stop your descent immediately and ascend a few feet until you can equalize comfortably. Pushing through a block is the fastest way to rupture an eardrum, which can put you out of the water for weeks or longer. If you experience persistent pain, hearing loss, or dizziness after a dive, see an ear specialist immediately.

Surfer's Ear (Exostosis): The Long-Term Risk

Surfer's ear is a condition where bony growths develop inside the ear canal as a result of prolonged exposure to cold water and wind. Over time, these growths narrow the ear canal, trapping water and debris inside and making you more susceptible to infections and equalization problems. Surfer's ear develops slowly over years and is common among spearfishers, surfers, and anyone who spends significant time in cold water.

Prevention means wearing ear plugs designed for water sports, especially in colder water. Products like Doc's Pro Plugs or SurfEars allow water sound to pass through while blocking the cold water and wind that trigger bone growth. A wetsuit hood also provides significant protection. If you've already developed significant exostosis, surgery may be necessary to remove the growths and restore full canal function.

Daily Ear Care Habits for Spearfishers

Building a simple ear care routine into your post-dive ritual can prevent the majority of ear problems before they start. Rinse your ears with clean fresh water after every session, dry them thoroughly, and apply a preventive vinegar and alcohol solution. Avoid using cotton swabs, which push debris deeper into the canal and can damage the skin lining. If you're prone to ear issues, consider wearing vented ear plugs during every dive. Pay attention to early warning signs like persistent itching, mild pain, or a feeling of fullness, and address them before they become full infections that sideline you for days or weeks.

Protect Your Ears and Stay in the Water

Your ears are one of your most valuable and vulnerable assets as a spearfisher. Take prevention seriously, treat problems early, and never push through equalization pain. A few minutes of ear care after each dive session can save you weeks of missed time in the water. For more spearfishing health tips and diving advice, visit SpearFactor.com.