Responding to your inquiry is a bit difficult as you haven't clearly stated what you are trying to accomplish by use of these techniques. If you have a condition that requires absolute dryness of the external ear, don't bother to read any further. Just stop diving until cleared to return by an ENT.
If it's to prevent infections of the external auditory canal, or to facilitate equalization, there are safer & more effective steps.
I'll proceed under the assumption that you simply wish to keep water out of the canal for the sake of comfort. Of course, this can to some extent be achieved by use of a neoprene hood.
A diver should never use unventilated plugs where increasing water pressure against the plug could result in damage to the canal or even the eardrum.
Doc's Proplugs are ventilated, so equalization of the external auditory canal is not a problem as long as the vents remain clear. Should a vent become fouled during descent, the diver would need to remove the plugs immediately and this could lead to several potentially quite serious problems. While these plugs are designed to prevent the flow of water into the outer ear, there is no guarantee that they'll keep it entirely dry.
Using cottonball/petroleum jelly plugs can be expected to accomplish the same, but without the worries caused by possibly fouling earplug vents. Of course, the ball can fall out or be difficult to remove if not properly inserted. With this approach, one should take care not cause a build up and eventual impaction of excess petroleum jelly in the canal.
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. Issues related the ear & diving should be discussed with an ENT.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
