Ear Drops

[ocpaul]

Some time ago I was given a formula for ear drops supposedly as used by U.S. Navy divers. As I remember it was 80% alcohol (not sure what kind) and 20% glycerol.

Can anyone confirm the forumla and the type of alcohol?

I used these drops every day before and after diving and had absolutely no problems with my ears!

 

[Skip Parker]

Some time ago I was given a formula for ear drops supposedly as used by U.S. Navy divers. As I remember it was 80% alcohol (not sure what kind) and 20% glycerol.

Can anyone confirm the forumla and the type of alcohol?

I used these drops every day before and after diving and had absolutely no problems with my ears!

Depends on what you want to use the drops for. Commercial "swimmers ear" drops that are bascily only intended to dry out the ear are 95% alcohol and 5% glycerin. The point of this type is to dry out the ear before any bacteria can get hold. If you want to kill the bacteria, but not necissarily dry out the ear completely, a 50/50 mix of alcohol and vinegar does a nice job. Be sure to leave it in each ear for a couple of minutes to make sure all the beasties get killed.

 

[MN Lakeman]

Depends on what you want to use the drops for. Commercial "swimmers ear" drops that are bascily only intended to dry out the ear are 95% alcohol and 5% glycerin. The point of this type is to dry out the ear before any bacteria can get hold. If you want to kill the bacteria, but not necissarily dry out the ear completely, a 50/50 mix of alcohol and vinegar does a nice job. Be sure to leave it in each ear for a couple of minutes to make sure all the beasties get killed.

The addition of the glycerin is a sensible addition, since it helps reduce the surface tension of the water, & lets it drain out easier after each dive - thus reducing chance of those "nasties" growing in the first place - yes? My question is - where do you get liquid glycerin?

 

[Skip Parker]

http://ca.store.yahoo.com/cranberrylane/soapmaking-supplies-liquids-glycerin.html

 

[RobinG]

My question is - where do you get liquid glycerin?

I bought a bottle at Wal-Mart. In the pharmacy section.

 

[spectrum]

I went through this earlier this summer. My doctor recomended the 50/50 alcohol/vinegar. The navy uses a somewhat more elaborate solution but the key finding is to keep it in each ear for no less than 5 minutes.

The Alcohol helps draw the water out (like dry gas) while the vinegar restores a slightly acidic condition in the ear.

Swimmers ear is usually from organisims that are normally present in the ear. A prolonged moist enviornment lets them go rampant.

Pete

I bought a bottle at Wal-Mart. In the pharmacy section.

 

[ocpaul]

Thanks for the responses to the ear drop question.

I also found out there is a solution called Otic Domeboro which is what the Navy divers now use. It is a mixture of acetic acid, water, aluminuym acetate, sodium acetate and boric acid. You need a prescription to get it and one of my local pharmacies sells it for $17.95 / 2 oz bottle.

An article at DAN also referenced the above solution but suggests the alcohol / vinegar solution is probably the best "home brew" choice because it is effective and inexpensive. The addition of glycerin (or glycerol?) seems to have pros and cons.

For now I think I will go with the simple alcohol / vinegar mix.

 

[EHill]

I use a commercial product for swimmers. You can get it at a drug store and there are several different brands. I usually put a few drops in my ears, let them drain and dry out. To follow up, I use Burrows solution/Domeboro. I usually get that from a doctor--only because I'm in the military so it's free. It is basically vinegar.

 

[Outlaw14]

I use a commercial product for swimmers. You can get it at a drug store and there are several different brands. I usually put a few drops in my ears, let them drain and dry out. To follow up, I use Burrows solution/Domeboro. I usually get that from a doctor--only because I'm in the military so it's free. It is basically vinegar.

Hi,

Seen several references to vinegar. Which type? I have used the white vinegar as the part of my 50/50 solution. Thanks.

 

[DocVikingo]

Thanks for the responses to the ear drop question.

I also found out there is a solution called Otic Domeboro which is what the Navy divers now use. It is a mixture of acetic acid, water, aluminuym acetate, sodium acetate and boric acid. You need a prescription to get it and one of my local pharmacies sells it for $17.95 / 2 oz bottle.

An article at DAN also referenced the above solution but suggests the alcohol / vinegar solution is probably the best "home brew" choice because it is effective and inexpensive. The addition of glycerin (or glycerol?) seems to have pros and cons.

For now I think I will go with the simple alcohol / vinegar mix.

When was the last time you purchased Otic Domeboro and what is the expiration date on the bottle?

Thanks,

DocVikingo