Remediable eustachian tube dysfunction in diving recruits: assessment, investigation, and management

Many individuals who wish to become divers for either social or professional reasons are prevented from partaking in their chosen activity because they are unable to equilibrate their middle ear pressures when they are exposed to an increase in ambient pressure. Thirty-seven male subjects, serving members of the Royal Navy who wished to become divers but were unable to equilibrate their middle ear pressures when exposed to an increase in ambient pressure, were investigated clinically and underwent nasal septal surgery. Six weeks after operation, 34 subjects were able to to equilibrate their middle ear pressures at a depth equivalent of 10 m (33 ft) of water.