Ear aches 24 hours after dives

[khacken]

I have recently been getting ear aches about 24 hours after diving. The dives are in freshwater with an average depth of 20 feet. While diving, I do not have discomfort in the ear and equalize as often as possible on the descent, and even pre-equalize on the the surface. The ear aches are not severe, and will go away within 24 hours. I do not have ringing and the ears to do feel "stuffed up".

What is the best way to prevent this? Does anything over the counter help?

 

[Webad]

I have recently been getting ear aches about 24 hours after diving. The dives are in freshwater with an average depth of 20 feet. While diving, I do not have discomfort in the ear and equalize as often as possible on the descent, and even pre-equalize on the the surface. The ear aches are not severe, and will go away within 24 hours. I do not have ringing and the ears to do feel "stuffed up".

What is the best way to prevent this? Does anything over the counter help?

I use those drying ear drops (mostly alcohol) after every dive just as a precaution. You may have some water or dampness that causes an earache.

Works for me....

 

[havnmonkey]

Yeah... water in the ears seems to bother some people. I have gone surfing and had water come out the next night. It can hang around in there for a while.

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

Make a mixture some people call "ear beer". It's half white vinegar, half isopropyl alcohol. Flood your ears with it after you dive. It's cheap as dirt, and works great.

 

[khacken]

Ahh cool, I had heard about that stuff, and was just leary. Seemed too easy hahah. Sometimes the best solutions are the easiest.

 

[bobv]

I have that same problem diving fresh water due to bacteria in the water. I simply rinse my ears out with bottled water after the dive and it seems to have made the problem go away the last couple of years.