Avoiding ear problems on liveaboard

[Mr. P]

My wife and I are going on an Aggressor trip in 4 weeks. While we've never had problems with any ear infections, we've been told that when you begin doing multiple dives (5 a day / 5 days) you are at risk of developing an infection. What can we do as a preventative measure? Is there something available either "over the counter" or via prescription that we should obtain and take before going?

 

[Wildcard]

Rinse your ears with rubbing alcohol after each dive. Helps to remove the water that is the cause of a lot of ear problems. Just a half a cap full should do it.

 

[RobinG]

My wife and I are going on an Aggressor trip in 4 weeks. While we've never had problems with any ear infections, we've been told that when you begin doing multiple dives (5 a day / 5 days) you are at risk of developing an infection. What can we do as a preventative measure? Is there something available either "over the counter" or via prescription that we should obtain and take before going?

Having been on numeous liveaboards and multi-day diving experiences, I can assure you ears can be a problem. A diving doctor told me long ago to get Domeboro's otic. Use it after EVERY dive, he said. A few drops in each each, wait five minutes -- NO CHEATING on time. Current doc says a 50/50 mix of distilled water and white vinegar is equivalent.

Both they and numerous other docs have told me NO ALCOHOL as it screws up the Ph balance and can aggravate the delicate tissue of the ear. Take a look at scubadoc.com (may by subscription only).

Robin

 

[Wildcard]

I have also been told that vinagar is better but my personal opinion is alcohol works great. As far as adjusting the Ph, what do you think vinegar does?

 

[Paul Evans]

Alcohol has never failed me

 

[RobinG]

I have also been told that vinagar is better but my personal opinion is alcohol works great. As far as adjusting the Ph, what do you think vinegar does?

I am not a chemist, but I trust all the many docs who have told me, vinegar yes, alcohol no. Have you ever washed your face in alochol-based astringent? Try it, 3x a day for a few days, and see how your face likes it (most don't like it at all!) Your ears are even more delicate (no matter what kind of language your friends use!)

Robin

 

[scubaeric]

My wife and I are going on an Aggressor trip in 4 weeks. While we've never had problems with any ear infections, we've been told that when you begin doing multiple dives (5 a day / 5 days) you are at risk of developing an infection. What can we do as a preventative measure? Is there something available either "over the counter" or via prescription that we should obtain and take before going?

Hi Mr. P,

Take a look at the following DAN articles:

Article 1

Article 2


Have a great trip!

Eric

 

[Wildcard]

Great articles! Thanks.