Ear infections every year

[Tycksel]

I dive only in winter times (6 months/year) and around 200 dives/year. Every year I get this middle ear infection and don't know what to do... Last year I had multiple infections and also barotrauma.

Now I've done 80 dives this winter and diagnosed middle ear infection today. I'm wearing a hood and after every dive I first rinse my ears with saline water and then apply few drops of ear beer (45% alcohol, 45% vinegar, 10% glycerine). But this didn't helped me... I also dry my ears now and then with hair dryer. What could I do to prevent these infections? I wanna try vented earplugs, but it's hard to order right size without fitting.

Last year this infection took almost 2 months to clear, so I'm worried that this is gonna take same time again. And because I'm on diving trip in Thailand, it's very frustrating

 

[LI-er]

With all the ear problems you've been having, worrying about getting the wrong size plugs for under $20 is the least of your problems. Using the plugs and keeping your ears dry will almost certainly prevent the problems you're having.

There are 2 types that I'm aware of. Docs Pro Plugs and a brand sold by Divers Direct that is a much softer and intricate design. I found the Diver's Direct plugs to be far superior in terms of comfort and fit, they're easier to self-insert, and they don't have anywhere near the tendency to fall out as do the Doc's plugs which come with a lanyard for exactly this reason.

From what I recall there's even a cheap fitting set to get the sizing but seriously they're under $20 and they come in only 3-4 sizes so the worst case scenario you're out an extra $20. Your ear meds and doctor's visits are far more costly plus the inconvenience and misery of having the ear problems.

Edited to add. Here's the link to the Divers Direct Hydroseal ear plugs. It's the best $18.50 you'll ever spend. They only come in 3 sizes odds are a Large will be just about right.

Hydro Seal Aqua Ear Plugs

Use the Hydro Seal Aqua Ear Plugs to keep your ears protected from discomfort, infection, and more during water sports.

www.diversdirect.com

 

[Tycksel]

With all the ear problems you've been having, worrying about getting the wrong size plugs for under $20 is the least of your problems. Using the plugs and keeping your ears dry will almost certainly prevent the problems you're having.

There are 2 types that I'm aware of. Docs Pro Plugs and a brand sold by Divers Direct that is a much softer and intricate design. I found the Diver's Direct plugs to be far superior in terms of comfort and fit, they don't have anywhere near the tendency to fall out as do the Doc's plugs which come with a lanyard for exactly this reason.

From what I recall there's even a cheap fitting set to get the sizing but seriously they're under $20 and they come in only 3-4 sizes so the worst case scenario you're out an extra $20. Your ear meds and doctor's visits are far more costly plus the inconvenience and misery of having the ear problems.

Under 20$ would be ok, but here in Thailand those pro plugs cost 65$... Gotta check if they have those fitting sets available. Don't wanna buy many 65$ plugs if they don't fit

 

[LI-er]

Under 20$ would be ok, but here in Thailand those pro plugs cost 65$... Gotta check if they have those fitting sets available. Don't wanna buy many 65$ plugs if they don't fit

See the edit to my post above. You can't order online and have items shipped to you?

The Hyroseal comes in only 3 sizes you'll probably be fine with the Large, unlike the Doc's plugs they're very soft and flexible, so the fit doesn't have to be precise. Even on the off chance you need to order a Medium, and you gotta spend a whopping $130 for 2 sets it would still be worth it given the troubles you've had.

 

[Tycksel]

See the edit to my post above. You can't order online and have items shipped to you?

The Hyroseal comes in only 3 sizes you'll probably be fine with the Large, unlike the Doc's plugs they're very soft and flexible, so the fit doesn't have to be precise. Even on the off chance you need to order a Medium, and you gotta spend a whopping $130 for 2 sets it would still be worth it given the troubles you've had.

Diversdirect won't ship to Thailand. But I found this proplug combo set for around 100$. It have 4 different sizes. Would this be ok?

Doc's Proplugs Clear Vented Adult Combo Pack

<ul><li>Water Sports</li><li>Scuba & Free Diving</li><li>Concerts</li><li>Light Industrial</li><li>Motorcycle Riding</li></ul><br><br>Doc's Proplugs Combo Packs are designed to fit a range of sizes. Each combo pack contains four (4) pairs of Proplugs. For adults (18 & up) this includes one pair...

th.ninelife.com

Update: I can get hydroseals also for under 30$

https://shopee.co.th/Hydro-Seal-for-Diving-Scuba-%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%8A%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B3-Scuba-%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD-Free-Diving-i.195846109.5530553313

 

[LI-er]

Well there ya go!

I expect them to be a game changer for you.

Go with the Hydroseal. For all the reasons I explained above, and they're much less expensive for you.

 

[Searcaigh]

Tropical living and diving comes with more risks that some of us are not aware of, and living in a hot and humid environment can require additional protection.

I've been a major user of ear beer for years but still occasionally had issues, therefore when on prolonged dive trips I go full out to avoid any medical issues.

1. I use this mask with ear covers, something I was recommended by an instructor in the Philippines more than 10 years ago, and I always carry a spare.
2. A squirt of Earol, with Tea Tree Oil, prior to diving provides some sort of barrier to any source of infection.
3. Shower with good clean water, rinsing ears with bottled water, I'm not sure why you use saline. I had issue with contaminated shower water in Malaysia one year that cost me my dive trip after two days.
4. I dry my ears well, first with tissue to absorb any water trapped in the ear canals then I use Macks Ear Dryer, which I have been doing now for the past three years, more precise than a hair dryer.
5. After that point I use the ear beer, five mins in each ear.

Good luck and I hope you manage to control these problems.

 

[MB NZ]

Slow down. A middle ear infection occurs behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum). How will ear plugs and potions poured in the ear help? Does the OP have a tympanic membrane perforation? If so, then a middle ear infection can be serious, but he/she has another problem that needs addressing.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

A middle ear infection occurs behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum). How will ear plugs and potions poured in the ear help?

^This.

Recurrent middle ear infections plus or minus barotrauma could indicate something anatomical. Have you seen an otologist (ear/nose/throat doctor who specializes in ears)?

Best regards,
DDM

 

[Tycksel]

Slow down. A middle ear infection occurs behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum). How will ear plugs and potions poured in the ear help? Does the OP have a tympanic membrane perforation? If so, then a middle ear infection can be serious, but he/she has another problem that needs addressing.

Doctor only told me that I have acute otitis media, no ruptured eardrum

^This.

Recurrent middle ear infections plus or minus barotrauma could indicate something anatomical. Have you seen an otologist (ear/nose/throat doctor who specializes in ears)?

Best regards,
DDM

I have visited different ENT:s dozens of times, but only special they have found is deviatied septum. But doctors have said that surgery wouldn't help my ear problems.

I always think that I have so tiny tubes in ears, because even after shower there can be water stuck in my ears for weeks. Also my ears are always crackling and popping even when I don't dive + tinnitus in both ears.