Anyone ever dive with an external ear infection?

[Ann Marie]

I'm so angry. I'm supposed to go out on a boat dive tomorrow night. I woke up this morning with an external ear infection. I have a doctor's appt. this morning, but I have had enough of these darn things to be able to tell what is going on.

So, I'm still going to give diving a shot (unless it is really contraindicated), but has anyone ever dove with an EXTERNAL ear infection? I wouldn't even think of going diving if it was an inner ear infection but since it probably isn't....

Any thoughts???

 

[Ann Marie]

Ohhh, I think I'll give DAN a call...

 

[Ann Marie]

Ohhh, I think I'll give DAN a call...

The saga continues....

DAN said that I shouldn't dive with an ear infection. My doctor confirmed that I had an external ear infection and said that while I probably wouldn't be helping my ear heal, I wouldn't be harming it since the infection is just in the ear canal.

So here is my decision, I am going on tonights boat trip. I will try diving and if I can't descend than I will remain topside.

 

[fmerkel]

Yes, I've done that. It'll get worse. IF you are going to do it anyway pre-treat the ear with the "ear beer" recipe (1:1 mixture of alcohol:vinegar), (it'll burn with an infection), allow to dry awhile, then put in some mineral or olive oil to coat the canal. That will keep some of the moisture away.
Treat with "beer" between dives. Treat and oil again at the end of the day.
As you said, don't dive if you feel that excess swelling has caused the canal to block off. That could damage the eardrum.

Fritz Merkel