ear infection

[mcf57]

I got certified back in Oct. 2007. Just recently got back from my first official dive trip. Went to the island of Grenada in the Caribbean and basically did 8 dives in 4 days. All went well & it was a very worthwhile trip. Saw all kinds of great stuff and didn't have any problems while diving. Our dives ranged from 50ft to 110ft.

I returned last Wednesday. This past Saturday I started having some discomfort in my ear so I went to the Dr. yesterday to have it checked out. Sure enough, I had a slight ear infection which was presumably cuase from diving. I am taking some perscription drops for it and it is getting better.

Now, this exact same thing happened when I got certified back in Oct. I had to have it checked out by a Dr. They cleaned it out and gave me drops as well. I'm thinking water must be getting trapped in my ear somehow. What kind of preventative measures can I do to avoid these ear problems from occurring each time I go on a dive trip? Just looking for some suggestions.

 

[boat sju]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/217095-swimmers-ear.html

I use the white vinegar/alchohol mix to dry my ears.

 

[Cajuncru Diver]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/217095-swimmers-ear.html

I use the white vinegar/alchohol mix to dry my ears.

Sounds too simple----but do it ------it really works!!!

 

[Joe-Diver]

Ear Beer....after every dive, even in the pool. Otherwise I'll get swimmers ear quickly.

 

[woodsandwatertoo]

Always use 91 percent alcohol , half cap full , quarter cap or so in each ear , let set few seconds then do other ear, make sure you have eyes looking upward or alcohol could run into them if looking down .

if you look at ear stuff at store and see ingrediants , it is 95 percent alcohol and some other stuff.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

A search for ear infection will give you numerous threads with the same information (in triplicate).

 

[gnwes]

I'm a 50/50(alc/vin) kinda guy myself.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Always use 91 percent alcohol , half cap full , quarter cap or so in each ear , let set few seconds then do other ear, make sure you have eyes looking upward or alcohol could run into them if looking down .

if you look at ear stuff at store and see ingrediants , it is 95 percent alcohol and some other stuff.

If you had used the search function this kind of nonsense would not have to be mitigated. Vinegar is the important ingredient, with regard to the bacteria that causes swimmers ear. When we spend a lot of time wet, the skin inside the ear becomes soggy, diluting the acidity that normally prevents infection. If you just use isopropyl you will have to get a prescription for the drops to cure the infection. Funny how the drugstore does not want to cure you without a doctor involved.

Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol is typically found in 70% & 91% solutions, and since the typical ear beer recipie is ~50/50 isopropyl/vinegar, going a little heavy on the alcohol if 70% should be just fine. The alcohol floats excessive water out of the ear and evaporates nicely after draining, but the vinegar brings the ear canal ph back to the normal levels which the bacteria can not live in.

I prefer the apple cider vinegar, and grab whatever isopropyl is handy. The anal retentive ear beer before and after every dive. I have had chronic swimmers ear since age 6 (aau swimming), but I can wait until the first hints of discomfort and nip it in the bud with two nights of ear soaking. As a full time dive guide this happens every 3-6 months. For me, more urban dive sites produce the infection faster; Molokini takes 6 months, Magic Island takes a couple weeks. No doctor required!

 

[vladimir]

Doc Vikingo's Preventing Swimmer's Ear

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

Just know tho, use of alcohal products can dry out the ear to the point of having cracks deep inside the canal. This will increase your chance of infection. The best thing for a divers/swimmers ears is the natural wax that our bodies produce. Do not use cotton swabs on the inside of the ear too often, just carefully clean the outer area regularly. The loss of natural earwax tends to intensify the risk of ear infections. I only use swimmers ear products if I can feel water in my ear after a few hours after a dive. So far, I have had no trouble no matter what kind of water or depth I have been at.

Good luck!
Carolyn:sharks: