But we were talking and trying to come up with a way to keep water out while diving other than the muff's we have seen on mask.
My question is could he put in a foam ear plug and be ok?
Your buddy can try the following:
1.
Doc's Proplugs: The Doctor's Choice for Ear Protection
I would also recommend that he read the piece "Stoppering the Problem: Do Ear Plugs Work Underwater?" authored by me and compliments of
Undercurrent, Oct '09 issue (See below*)
2.
Swimming Ear Protection Diving Masks ProEar 2000
I am acquainted with the man who developed the ProEar2000 and he gave me one (I've since given it to another diver). They're kind of silly looking and take a while to master, but used properly typically are very effective in keeping water out of the outer ear.
I know divers with ruptured tympanic membranes and frequent ear infections who use both.
Same buddy and I were talking about the bends and Decompression sickness. In the movie beneath the 12-mile reef they pack a man in ice after he becomes bent and during his OW Class my buddy's Instructor also told that this is still done today! And that a few years ago a diver in the town they live in had to be packed in ice till he got to a recompression chamber. I have read a great many papers and online about DCS but have found nothing on this so if someone out their could inlighten me please do.
That movie is from the early 50's and is fictional. The diver in question went into an uncontrolled ascent to the surface. Of course he could have developed either DCS or AGE, but in any event after being packed in ice he dies anyway.
Packing in ice is not a recommended or wise emergency response while an affected diver is awaiting recompression, no matter how long the delay. Doing so could result in fatal hypothermia. If needed, maintaining the airway, breathing and circulation are the first priorities. Placing the diver on 100% 02, if available, and pushing fluids orally are the next appropriate responses.
On the other hand, after the diver expires from being packed in ice he'll smell better longer.
Best of luck.
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.
* "Stoppering the Problem: Do Ear Plugs Work Underwater?
The question of divers using vented ear plugs to ease equalization and keep water out of their ears is often raised on divers' online message boards. These soft polymer plugs form a tight seal and have a very small hole, or vent, running through them to allow for equalization of the ear. Many responders indicate that the plugs reduce the frequency of external ear canal infections and ease clearing of the ears.
Doc's Proplugs is the manufacturer and distributor of vented ear plugs. It claims that when fitted properly the plugs reduce "ear squeeze caused by inability to equalize between the outer and middle ear” and help "prevent outer ear and inner ear infection, vertigo and thermal reaction.” Its Web site includes a list of undated and unverifiable testimonials.
Only the most minimal medical research has been conducted on these ear plugs. A self-published, undated piece by the "Sardinian Institute of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine" evaluated two professional divers with histories of perforated eardrums "who in the summer made constantly 3 dives per day.” After observing one diver for 17 months and the other for three months, no problems with inflammation of the middle ear were noted.
Another study found that in patients involved in various watersports, the use of earplugs substantially reduced surfer's ear/exostosis (benign bony growth in the external ear canal caused by exposure to cold, wet and windy conditions).
If a vented ear plug did lessen the flow of water into the external auditory canal, the expectation is that outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) would be reduced. As regards the claim of prevention of "inner ear infection," this isn't believable. Water does not enter the middle ear space from the outer ear unless the eardrum is ruptured. It doesn't enter the inner ear unless both the eardrum and either the oval or round window are ruptured. And someone with any of these eardrum problems shouldn't be diving.
Decreased water flow also would be expected to reduce temperature-related abnormalities, such as caloric vertigo and surfer's ear.
The claim of easing equalization is difficult to support, as there is no reasonable mechanism of which I am aware to explain how this might occur. Doc's Proplugs' Web site states, "Due to surface tension, the vented plug also reduces abrupt pressure changes from reaching the sensitive eardrum which contributes to easier equalization.” I find this assertion not compelling.
I was unable to find any published reports of harm to the ear from such plugs. Provided the vent in the plug remains unobstructed, these devices appear to pose little danger to the ear. However, if a vent should become clogged, especially upon descent, equalization could become impeded and the eardrum damaged.
As for using such plugs to protect a ruptured eardrum, remember that these devices still do admit a small amount of water. Plus, the diver runs the risk of losing the plug altogether, thus allowing water to freely enter the middle ear space and resulting in pain, disorienting vertigo and possible middle ear infection.
The bottom line? If you're experiencing external ear infections or worried about surfer's ear, vented plugs may be worth the small investment. However, divers with a history of middle-ear congestion or infection are unlikely to benefit from these plugs, and they should refrain from diving until seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist. For those with continuing difficulty in equalizing, experiment with various clearing techniques before trying vented ear plugs. — Doc Vikingo"
