Jumping from heights into water can rupture eardrums, warns ENT specialist

As temperatures rise and people flock to beaches and pools, ear health becomes a critical concern, according to ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Atilla Tekat. He issued a stark warning about the dangers of high-risk water activities, particularly jumping into water from elevated positions.

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When we jump from a high place into the sea, if the depth we dive into exceeds 5 meters, the pressure changes are felt severely in the ears. Atmospheric pressure increases by one atmosphere every 10 meters. If our eardrum has a weakness from a previous infection, this pressure can even cause it to rupture.

Prof. Dr. Tekat explained that diving from heights, such as piers or cliffs, poses a significant risk. If the depth exceeds 5 meters, the sudden pressure changes can severely impact the ears. "Every 10 meters, atmospheric pressure increases," he noted. "If our eardrum has a weakness from a previous infection, this pressure can even cause it to rupture."

The expert also clarified why people instinctively hold their nose when diving. Water entering the nasal passages during a rapid descent can reach the middle ear, leading to symptoms like headaches, ear fullness, and fluid discharge from the nose when bending over. Holding the nose helps mitigate this pressure effect.

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AI can only respond based on the limited information you provide; it cannot assess the illness without a physical examination. It is not correct to apply treatment by relying only on artificial intelligence; the doctor needs to see it.

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Tekat strongly criticized the growing trend of seeking medical advice from the internet or artificial intelligence instead of consulting a doctor. He highlighted that symptoms of outer ear infections, often termed "swimmer's ear," can mimic those of more serious conditions, including middle ear diseases, other outer ear infections, and even tumors. "AI can only respond based on the limited information you provide; it cannot assess the illness without a physical examination," he stated, emphasizing that self-treatment based solely on AI is dangerous and a physician's evaluation is essential.

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If there is a small, unnoticed micro-hole in the eardrum and these acidic substances leak into the middle ear, irreversible hearing losses and much more serious health problems can be triggered.