Ear issues

[doctormike]

I haven't seen any reports of injury or damage from sticking things in the ear.

Not such a great photo (hard to get a good shot with a wriggling child), but this is a 5 year old kid that I saw in my office yesterday. I had seen him two months ago after he punched a hole in his eardrum with a q-tip. It's still open. Will probably need surgery.

 

[scubajunky17]

Some great tips here, the store bought Auro ears drops I have for relieving water logged ears is 95% Alcohol 5% Glycerine.
So not sure about the best ratio.
Also I assume wax in the ears is beneficial and protective or is Olive Oil a good idea to soften the wax and remove it.

 

[doctormike]

Some great tips here, the store bought Auro ears drops I have for relieving water logged ears is 95% Alcohol 5% Glycerine.
So not sure about the best ratio.
Also I assume wax in the ears is beneficial and protective or is Olive Oil a good idea to soften the wax and remove it.

Right, those drops are OK, I usually say to add a little bit of white vinegar as well to drop the pH and help reduce bacterial growth: https://kidsent.com/pediatricent/oe/index.html

A thin layer of wax is there for a reason, you shouldn't constantly use stuff like Debrox or hydrogen peroxide to strip it away. There are some products with natural oils that can act as protectants. "Softening" the wax rarely helps and doesn't remove it.

 

[waxrash]

Not exactly an ear issue but thought I'd share. After 1000 dives or so, I can always clear my ears, but they can at times be stubborn. My ENT, who is also a diver recommended Flonase about 6 weeks before a dive trip, take it daily. I have found that my ears will clear on their own with little effort. I'm not qualified to tell you what that does or if it would apply to you, but thought I'd mention it. FYI, I have a deviated septum and seem to keep a little sinus congestion. Find a diving ENT, they can help.