Ear Health

[MJI]

I really couldn't find anyway appropriate for this post, so matched the forum to my experience - if the mods do want to move it however, then no worries.

Just wondering if folks have any ear health routine before they go diving and during dive period to ensure the ear stays clean and healthy.

 

[Ben_Ayers]

Hey Mike,
Funny you should ask. I've been having some issues with one of my ears the last few days. I did a search here http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/as...6-ear-infection-diving.html?highlight=earache
and found some good advice.

Ben

 

[spectrum]

Before diving you just want to make sure that you have a clear head. After diving is when you can take measures to avoid problems. See here.

Pete

 

[ronbeau]

I really couldn't find anyway appropriate for this post, so matched the forum to my experience - if the mods do want to move it however, then no worries.

Just wondering if folks have any ear health routine before they go diving and during dive period to ensure the ear stays clean and healthy.

See the link Spectrum provided you with. It is exactly what my PA recommended. In addition to being a medical professional he is also a very experienced diver trained by the U. S. Special Forces.

I also saw the same recommendation from DAN (Divers Alert Network) in their Alert Diver publication.

 

[on_two_wheels]

After my first pool dive I got an inner ear infection. Before that, I had a problem with my right ear clearing (before ever diving) whether going up a mountain or in a plane. Since I started diving, that problem hasn't returned!! Woo-hoo!! I'm one that can say diving has actually HELPED my ears. That said, good info on the link. Thanks!!

 

[spectrum]

After my first pool dive I got an inner ear infection. Before that, I had a problem with my right ear clearing (before ever diving) whether going up a mountain or in a plane. Since I started diving, that problem hasn't returned!! Woo-hoo!! I'm one that can say diving has actually HELPED my ears. That said, good info on the link. Thanks!!

Me too!

When I used to fly I would be part deaf for up to 24 hours! Since I took up diving I hardly notice a thing and hear perfectly when I get off the plane.

Pete

 

[bleeb]

Ear issues are discussed regularly in the Dive Medicine and sometimes Ask Dr. Deco forums, both found in the Marine Science and Physiology section. Browsing there can be pretty educational, and the presence of real medics helps keep the level of old-wives tales down. (What? False information on the Internet? Say it ain't so.)

 

[matts1w]

A few years ago I started getting horrible ear infections out of nowhere. Before then I always thought people who bit--ed about ear infections needed to suck it up and quit crying. Then I came down with my first infection. It was absolutely brutal...

The infections kept returning every few months no matter what I did... swimmer's ear drops, flusing with fresh water, vinegar, etc....

I finally went to an ENT who told me two things.

1. QUIT USING Q-TIPS TO CLEAN YOUR EARS!!! Yes, he pretty much yelled it at me. he let me know that since I am in the water so much it is a good idea to let my wax build up some. I now just use a little soap on my finger tip to clean the inside of my ears...not scrape out all the wax with a q-tip.

2. The swimmer's ear drops are mostly alcohol which dry ears out and makes them raw and cracked - kind of like the bottom of one's feet. Obviosuly they are more prone to infection that way.

Since I quit the q-tips and swimmer's ear I have not had an infection...knock wood.

 

[MurkyRockDiver]

I am surprised no one added this link, very good video about halfway down the page.
Doc's Diving Medicine Home Page

 

[tajkd]

As someone who had been plagued with ear infection for more than 20 years, I couldn't disagree more with the "treatment" approach. You CAN prevent and you will find doctors who understand the mechanism of middle and outer ear infections and their prevention. I have found (for me) that a few drops of Acetasol (HC/acetic acid) BEFORE diving tends to prevent an infection under normal conditions. I also use pro-plugs and swear by them. I just returned from doing about 6 dives/day for a week in Bonaire. I only had some symptoms on the last night dive. I also bring Cipro HC as a treatment if I do get a flare-up and that resolves the issue overnight. I've used this preventative on numerous live-aboards and multi-dive days with great success. I strongly suggest you find a doctor who is knowledgable and have a discussion but ear infections are mostly preventable.