Ear canal infllammation after diving

[El Tiburon]

Although I don't have any problems equalizing my ears while diving, I tend to get inflammation in both ear canals, for several days after diving. Does anyone else experience this? Has anyone used the Sahara Dry ear electronic warm ear dryer? http://www.dryear.net/

 

[Gac]

There are a number of threads on here about swimmer's ear and other similar ear problems dealing with the post-dive infection. A home remedy is to use ear drops of 1/2 distilled white vinegar and 1/2 isopropyl alcohol. Put a few drops in one ear, let stand for 5 mins, then repeat with the other ear.

I've not had a problem with swimmer's ear or other infections-- yet-- but I do use the drops after swimming, snorkling, or diving just really quick (1 min) per ear just to keep me a little ahead of the bacteria. If I had your problem, I would be using the drops for a longer time, but since I don't, I don't.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Hey there.

I've gone as far as putting a slight drop of store bought peroxide in the ears to help fight bacteria. Swimmers ear drove me nuts 3 weeks ago and I also used alcohol and vinegar solution. Its cleared right up so far. Don't use a cotton swab because it can compact the wax and trap water next to the ear drum.

 

[Gidds]

AeroDry drops work well. Awhile ago I was out so I was spraying Bactine in the afflicted ear and managed not to damage myself. If this is a problem you have often it could be where you are diving or it could be a prediposition to the condition and maybe you should see an ear/nose/throat doc. I have an unusual conformation of the ear canals that was a problem as a small child and now just makes me a little more suseptible to water staying where it should not.

 

[El Tiburon]

Thanks for the advice. I cleared my left ear with the white vinegar and alcohol solution, but it was too late for my right ear, as I have an infection now. Yesterday I soaked it with the vinegar/alcohol a couple of times. Today I soaked it with peroxide and I have antibiotic drops. I bought the Sahara ear dryer and have my fingers crossed that it will prevent swimmers ear after future dives. Apparently I'm predisposed to it because I've gotten it from my pool the diving in the ocean and diving in a quarry. Thanks again, Coqui Diver,

 

[spectrum]

Thanks for the advice. I cleared my left ear with the white vinegar and alcohol solution, but it was too late for my right ear, as I have an infection now. Yesterday I soaked it with the vinegar/alcohol a couple of times. Today I soaked it with peroxide and I have antibiotic drops. I bought the Sahara ear dryer and have my fingers crossed that it will prevent swimmers ear after future dives. Apparently I'm predisposed to it because I've gotten it from my pool the diving in the ocean and diving in a quarry. Thanks again, Coqui Diver,

The organisims that develop into swimers ear are normally in your ears. It's the moist conditions in a water filled ear and the diminished acidic condition in the ear (thats' what the vinegar is for) that let them grow out of control into an infection. That's why you can easilly get it in the pool too.

Pete

 

[diverdn]

Thanks for the advice. I cleared my left ear with the white vinegar and alcohol solution, but it was too late for my right ear, as I have an infection now. Yesterday I soaked it with the vinegar/alcohol a couple of times. Today I soaked it with peroxide and I have antibiotic drops. I bought the Sahara ear dryer and have my fingers crossed that it will prevent swimmers ear after future dives. Apparently I'm predisposed to it because I've gotten it from my pool the diving in the ocean and diving in a quarry. Thanks again, Coqui Diver,

Coqui,
My advise is (from experience) if your ear issue last more than a couple of days, go see your doctor. The last thing you want is for the inner ear to become infected which could lead to much worse issues.
DD

 

[El Tiburon]

My advise is (from experience) if your ear issue last more than a couple of days, go see your doctor. The last thing you want is for the inner ear to become infected which could lead to much worse issues.

DD, I have a 2:30 pm today appointment with an ENT. Thanks for the advice.

 

[El Tiburon]

ENT Doc made it official. I have an ear infection. Packed it and gave me drops. Suggested that I remove as much ear wax as possible before diving to help prevent swimmer's ear. I described the Shara ear dryer to him and he believes it should help. Follow-up visit on Friday. Dive safely, Coqui Diver.

 

[diverdn]

Better to be safe than sorry. Those drops are like gold when you need them.
DD