ear solution to keep from getting infection?

[ASA400]

Hi guys!

A while ago, I remember reading in some thread about a homemade ear solution used to keep from getting infections while diving on liveaboards. I searched but couldn't find it. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

 

[emoreira]

I guess of two :
1) Use a mixture of water, alcohol and white vinegar 33/33/33%. Drop a few drops of the mixture en each ear after each dive.
2) Use those bulky ear masks Pro Ear 2000 Mask, oceanic proear 2000

 

[uncfnp]

There are several different versions but this is the one I use and recommend...

A mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol may help promote drying and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer's ear. Pour 1 teaspoon (about 5 milliliters) of the solution into each ear and let it drain back out.

It's the mix recommended by the Sandford Guide to Antimicrobial therapy.

 

[agilis]

One third rubbing alcohol, two thirds white vinegar. The vinegar does most of the work, establishing a pH too low for most bacteria to thrive. It acts as a bacteriostat rather than a bacteriocide. The alcohol is a drying agent, removing residual water from the ear canal. It's the water that provides a medium for the growth of bacteria and fungi.

 

[the_dragon_no1]

Or buy "Aqua ear" ear drops.
Think i bought my two small bottles from ebay (?) ... or was it a website. . From "the land down under".
Last a looong time and does the job!

 

[kwinter]

Do a search for "ear beer" and you'll find many versions. I use 50/50 mix of alcohol and vinegar. But the type of alcohol matters too. I think mine is 91%.


iPhone. iTypo. iApologize.

 

[Rich Keller]

190 proof grain alcohol not rubbing alcohol is best when used by itself. It will kill anything in you ear that can cause you trouble and will leave nothing behind when it drys.

 

[dirtfarmer]

Besides the 50/50 mix of alcohol-vinegar I add a few drops of vegetable glycerin. It helps sooth the ears. I also rinse my ears first with bottled water and use the drops after every dive.
On the last two liveaboard trips I've been on there has been at least one diver that had ear problems, due to the fact they have no idea about taking care of their ears.

 

[photog]

For the past 20? years I've been recommending divers in my groups use either a 50/50 or 40% alcohol / 60% vinegar mix to prevent ear infections on long dive trips with many days of repetitive diving. Just a few drops in each ear after each dive will do it. And if a few dives are missed.. not a big deal.

Frequently there is a diver who reads my recommendation and arrives bragging they've never had a problem and don't use anything. So they don't.. About the 4th day that diver is complaining of ear pain, looking for medication to cure the infection, and/or stops diving.

I've seen divers use different mixes of alcohol & vinegar, some adding distilled water or something else. Everyone thinks their mix is the ultimate. However they all seem to work fine. Some of the prepared drops are too acidic and cause ear pain by drying the ears too much.. which also can result in an infection!

 

[gopbroek]

DAN had a good article on it: Can You Prevent Otitis Externa, or Swimmers Ear? .
I found a recipe of half and half vinegar and isopropyl alcohol with a pinch of glycerine. I make it by taking Auro-Dri (95% alcohol and anhydrous glycerine) and mixing it half and half with white vinegar.
The key is the vinegar which is acidic. You put it in while lying on your side and let it soak for 5 full minutes, this kills off the naturally occurring bacteria in the ear canal, which can infect the ear if the thin skin covering is compromised. The alcohol is a drying agent and the glycerine a lubricant.

I reasearched this after a month and 4 different antibiotics to get over an ear infection from the week I got my OW. Swimmers ear can be agony.