I just got over a middle ear infection this past summer during a trip to Cozumel. Fortunately it did not happen until the last few days and despite vertigo when clearing and some pain I did my last few dives. Got home, mowed the yard and that night my ear began to hurt a lot (more). I told my wife in the morning we need to go to the ER or clinic. I got antibiotics and it took two weeks to stop hurting. I ran a 103 degree fever and severe pain for over 24 hours. The hearing in my left ear is still not back to normal whatever normal might be now.
A middle ear infection has little or nothing to do with the external ear. The infection is being introduced via the eustachian tube or some other internal source.
This was the first I have gotten since childhood. Ouch. Since then I have done several dives in a short trip to Florida and then a two week trip to Roatan just a week ago barely with no problems.
Yes, it is good to use swimmers ear to prevent an outer ear infection which itself can be painful but that is not the same or same cause as a mid ear infection.
Edit to add, here is how I think I got a mid ear infection, take into account, I do not know. I think nasty Cozumel water during a shower got blown up my eustachion tube. I try not to get the stuff in my mouth so as not to get an upset tummy but you know, it does still. I cleared my ears during the shower and the next day it began to hurt. Coincidence?
A middle ear infection has little or nothing to do with the external ear. The infection is being introduced via the eustachian tube or some other internal source.
This was the first I have gotten since childhood. Ouch. Since then I have done several dives in a short trip to Florida and then a two week trip to Roatan just a week ago barely with no problems.
Yes, it is good to use swimmers ear to prevent an outer ear infection which itself can be painful but that is not the same or same cause as a mid ear infection.
Edit to add, here is how I think I got a mid ear infection, take into account, I do not know. I think nasty Cozumel water during a shower got blown up my eustachion tube. I try not to get the stuff in my mouth so as not to get an upset tummy but you know, it does still. I cleared my ears during the shower and the next day it began to hurt. Coincidence?