Diving with a cold or congestion can prevent what?

Diving with a cold or congestion can significantly affect the equalization of the ears. Equalization is the process of balancing the pressure in the middle ear with the external water pressure as you descend. When a diver has a cold or nasal congestion, the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, can become swollen or blocked. This blockage hampers the ability to equalize ear pressure, leading to potential pain or even barotrauma, where the pressure difference can cause injury to the ear structure.

Understanding this is crucial because if a diver cannot equalize properly, they are at risk of serious complications during the dive. The importance of clear airways for effective equalization is well-documented in diving safety protocols, making it vital for divers to be in good health before diving.

While visibility during a dive, breath control, and temperature regulation are certainly important, they do not have the same direct relationship with physical congestion affecting the ear, especially regarding the pressure changes experienced underwater.