What may occur if a person experiences an ear block and continues to descend?

If a person experiences an ear block, which is typically caused by a failure of pressure equalization in the middle ear, and continues to descend, the pressure outside the eardrum increases while the pressure in the middle ear remains lower. This disparity can result in significant discomfort as the eardrum is pushed inward. If the pressure difference becomes too great, it can lead to severe pain and possible rupture of the eardrum, a condition known as tympanic membrane perforation. This rupture can not only cause immediate pain but can also lead to further complications, such as infections, hearing loss, and long-term auditory issues.

The other outcomes, such as fluid leakage from the ear or blurred vision, are not directly caused by an untreated ear block during descent. While dizziness can occur (and is often linked to inner ear issues), it is not the primary consequence of an ear block in this scenario. The most critical risk associated with the continuing descent after experiencing an ear block is indeed the risk of pain and eardrum rupture.