PRE-DIVE Ear Care

[The Kraken]

I've read numerous threads about what can be done post-dive to protect one's ears from infection, but what can be done pre-dive to prevent the possibility of infection.

the K

 

[xiSkiGuy]

The last issue of DANs Alert Diver had an article on outer ear infections. IIRC, they suggested using the post-dive treatments (Domeboro Otic or 1 part Vinegar, 1 part Alcohol, and 1 part Water) prophylatically pre-dive.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi The Kraken,

Pre-dive external ear infection prophylaxis is discussed in the following:

Preventing Swimmer's Ear
http://www.awoosh.com/Doc Vikingo's Resource Page/Preventing_Swimmers_Ear.htm

Helpful?

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.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Thanks so much for this information. I have had problems for 25 yrs and the OTC solution of glycerin and boric acid and maybe other stuff? that I used to be able to buy disappeared years ago.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Dumpster Diver,

Yes, as the article states, Otic Domboro (2 percent acetic acid, water, aluminum acetate, sodium acetate & boric acid) ceased production back in Dec '00. Shame, it was such good stuff. But, as the article goes on to indicate, you can have it formulated.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[The Kraken]

Thanks, Doc.

Muchly appreciated.

the K

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi xiSkiGuy,

The last issue of DANs Alert Diver had an article on outer ear infections. IIRC, they suggested using the post-dive treatments (Domeboro Otic or 1 part Vinegar, 1 part Alcohol, and 1 part Water) prophylatically pre-dive.

Yes, they incorrectly recommended Otic Domboro, a product which Bayer Pharmaceuticals discontinued back in Dec of '00.

They also incorrectly stated that, "You can make can make Domeboro Otic by mixing 1 part Burrow's solution with 1 part water and 1 part 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, Dr. Davidson noted." Leaving aside the fact you can't "make Otic Domeboro" as its a trade name owned by Bayer, this isn't even the formula for the now long-discontinued product; its formula was 2 percent acetic acid, water, aluminum acetate, sodium acetate & boric acid.

I have called these errors to the attention of the editor of "Alert Diver" and she has indicated that she is composing a correction for the Nov/Dec issue.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[xiSkiGuy]

Hi xiSkiGuy,



Yes, they incorrectly recommended Otic Domboro, a product which Bayer Pharmaceuticals discontinued back in Dec of '00.

They also incorrectly stated that, "You can make can make Domeboro Otic by mixing 1 part Burrow's solution with 1 part water and 1 part 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, Dr. Davidson noted." Leaving aside the fact you can't "make Otic Domeboro" as its a trade name owned by Bayer, this isn't even the formula for the now long-discontinued product; its formula was 2 percent acetic acid, water, aluminum acetate, sodium acetate & boric acid.

I have called these errors to the attention of the editor of "Alert Diver" and she has indicated that she is composing a correction for the Nov/Dec issue.

Regards,

DocVikingo

I wondered why the pharmacist looked at me funny when i asked about Domoboro Otic or Burrow's solution. Thanks for the info.

FWIW, I had been getting external ear infections after diving and I recently tried using the 1 part 5% White Vinegar, 1 part 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, and 1 part Water solution listed as an alternative homebrew in the Alert Diver article. I left it in each ear for 5 minutes after diving and I haven't had any problems since.

@DocVikingo - What do you think of the recommendation in the Alert Diver article that the prophylaxis must be left in each ear for 5 minutes to maximize effectiveness?

 

[Mitchell]

Bausch & Lomb now make this. The pharmacist should know. I just got mine.

 

[Daylonious]

My doc gave me a prescription for Flownase (nasal steroid) he said to start taking about 5 days before a dive drip - he said that would help ear / nose / throat problems post-dive.

D.