Any suggestions on how to keep my ears from becoming infected?!

[DocVikingo]

[QUOTE=Scuba7;7337854]Is there anything I could do to prevent otitis media? I am guessing the ear plugs would work for the middle ear?![/QUOTE]

Hi Scuba7,

As the article I linked for you above indicates (*See partial quotes below), there is no sound reason to expect that vented ear plugs would assist in the prevention of middle ear infection/otitis media.

Regards,

DocVikingo

*

"If a vented ear plug did lessen the flow of water into the external auditory canal, the expectation is that outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) would be reduced. As regards the claim of prevention of "inner ear infection," this isn't believable. Water does not enter the middle ear space from the outer ear unless the eardrum is ruptured. It doesn't enter the the inner ear unless both the eardrum and either the oval or round window are ruptured."

"The bottom line? If you're experiencing external ear infections or worried about surfer's ear, vented plugs may be worth the small investment. However, divers with a history of middle-ear congestion or infection are unlikely to benefit from these plugs, and they should refrain from diving until seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist."

 

[Scuba7]

"The bottom line? If you're experiencing external ear infections or worried about surfer's ear, vented plugs may be worth the small investment. However, divers with a history of middle-ear congestion or infection are unlikely to benefit from these plugs, and they should refrain from diving until seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist."

Thank you.
I will try some and see how they go.

 

[supergaijin]

I've worked with a few instructors now that use the PRO-EAR. As you can see, it looks pretty interesting.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hey supergaijin,

In case you're interested, that the developer's/owner's daughter. Shot was taken in Israel.

Cheers,

DocV

 

[catzndogz22]

I'm a big fan of the JBL Hydro Seal Aqua Plugs.

I'll defer to the Docs about what's going on inside or outside of the ear and whether or not they're likely to prevent an ear infection. My left ear tends to get clogged after about 3 days of diving and then I have trouble equalizing. About 3 years ago I got a pair of the JBL ear plugs before heading to Indonesia for 10 days of muck diving. At the end of the trip, my ears felt as clean and clear as they did on day 1. They do keep most of the water out and I've had no equalization problems whatsoever while wearing them.