Since intact and functioning air sinuses are mandatory for the workings of biosonar, a pressure-related injury in and around the sinus membranes results in the abrupt loss of acoustic navigation.

These are used in conjunction with a USBL, or LBL, acoustic navigation system which is also used to communicate with the vessel-providing it with commands as well as receiving the data from the sensors and onboard equipment.

The search and inspection of the lost nuclear submarine USS Thresher by the U.S. Navy oceanographic vessel USNS Mizar in 1963 is frequently credited as the origin of modern underwater acoustic navigation systems.