What should a diver do if they experience ear discomfort during descent?

When a diver experiences ear discomfort during descent, the appropriate response is to equalize the pressure in their ears. Equalization helps to balance the pressure inside the middle ear with the ambient water pressure outside. This discomfort is typically caused by the increasing pressure during descent, which can lead to a condition known as ear barotrauma if not addressed.

Techniques such as the Valsalva maneuver, Toynbee maneuver, or simply swallowing can effectively equalize the pressure in the ears. By doing this, the diver can alleviate discomfort and prevent potential injury to the ear structures, ensuring a safer dive experience.

Ignoring the discomfort can lead to severe complications, while quickly reascending or stopping the descent without equalization may not adequately address the underlying issue of pressure imbalance. Therefore, equalizing is the most effective and proper action to take in this scenario.