Final answer:
Wearing earplugs while diving is crucial to protect the ears from pressure and injury. Without earplugs, it can be difficult to hear and perform well in synchronized swimming routines. Ear protection should always be prioritized in activities involving pressure or noise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wearing earplugs while diving is true. Diving can subject the ears to high levels of pressure, which can potentially cause damage to the eardrums and other structures in the ear. Earplugs help to reduce the impact of this pressure and protect the ears from injury. For example, synchronized swimmers wear earplugs to protect themselves from water pressure at depths while still being able to hear the music and perform their routines.
In the given scenario with the synchronized swimmers, when they tried to practice on a mat outside the water, they might have had difficulty performing because they were not wearing their earplugs. The absence of earplugs would have made it harder for them to hear the music and maintain the synchronization required for their routines.
It is important to prioritize ear protection when engaging in activities that involve high levels of pressure or noise, such as diving.