Cancelled AOW dives due to ears

[FireCat]

Ever since I had my ear infection - that the doc suspects was from my OW dives - I've been having issues with my ears. On the ground and even going on an airline, I can't equalize so I don't want to risk my ears going diving.

Suggestions on how to get my ears to equalize again?

I've watched the video about equalizing that was posted in another thread and nothing worked. I'm considering going to an ENT specialist but if there's something else I can try, I'd like to do that before going to the doc's.

 

[bolantej]

I'd say go see the ENT, and they should be able to tel you what's best for your condition. Otherwise, just keep trying different techniques on land and maybe it'll loosen up a bit.

 

[DivingsInMyBlood]

ENT all the way dont waste anytime go see one as soon as possible. This is a very important issue to be addressed. How long have your ears been like this?

 

[Oscar73]

ENT.... My wife had similar problems when doing here OW classes. Turned out she got some drugs that dried her ears out and she hasn't had any problems since.

Oscar

 

[FireCat]

I just finished the 2nd round of antibiotics about 2 weeks ago. Didn't realize how bad the equalization issue was until I was on a flight last Tuesday.

I'm calling the ENT on Monday and going to get in ASAP.

 

[RoyN]

Maybe you got a cold and you didn't know about it? Sorry, I'm no medic.

 

[SnakeRiverPirate]

I have flown with an ear infection and it does indeed suck. I would see a good ENT and explain the diving issue to him. Most GPs don't really have a clue nor are they interested in spending more that 5-6 minutes with a patient.

 

[DivingsInMyBlood]

I have flown with an ear infection and it does indeed suck. I would see a good ENT and explain the diving issue to him. Most GPs don't really have a clue nor are they interested in spending more that 5-6 minutes with a patient.

too true most GP's dont seem to understand or care just like you said.

 

[scubatoys]

And for some reason - some people seem to suffer from ear infections a lot more than others... it's a good idea to mix yourself up a 50/50 mix of 5% acetic acid solution (commonly known as white vinegar) and alcohol.

Put that in a little bottle (I've seen some that use a small baby bottle - nipple and all) then squirt that into your ears after each dive. The acid balances out the ph in your ears and kills anything living in there, and then the alcohol dries them out.

Most of your drugstore ear dry solutions are just alcohol with just a little glycerin in them... this mix works much better.

It is also handy if you get any marine stings. Fire coral, sponge, etc... the acid neutralizes the base stinging cells. The only draw back is you smell like a salad... but a small price to pay!

 

[kilo_fox]

Maybe you can find an ENT doc who also knows about diving!? Might make a difference.