Otologic Hazards Related to Scuba Diving.

CONTEXT: As of 2015, more than 23 million scuba diver certifications have been issued across the globe. Given the popularity of scuba diving, it is incumbent on every physician to know and understand the specific medical hazards and conditions associated with scuba diving.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Sources were obtained from PubMed, MEDLINE, and EBSCO databases from 1956 onward and ranged from diverse fields including otologic reviews and wilderness medicine book chapters.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

RESULTS: Otologic hazards can be categorized into barotrauma-related injuries or decompression sickness.

CONCLUSION: When combined with a high index of suspicion, the physician can recognize these disorders and promptly initiate proper treatment of the potentially hazardous and irreversible conditions related to scuba diving.