Swimmer's Ear

[ththooft]

Hello-

My wife recently found out that she has swimmer's ear. She had some pain for a few days after diving and found out that's what it is from her doctor. I've read up on a few ways to help prevent this (home-made solutions, vented ear-plugs, etc), but we are wondering how long she should stay out of the water? DAN didn't have any info on this. I've also read a few posts on here that suggest you can still dive with swimmer's ear. Is this true?

Thanks for the help!

 

[BrianS]

Did you ask her doctor?

 

[ththooft]

Dr. wasn't too sure. He's not used to diving. Sorry...should have metioned that!

 

[bioboy]

I've read up on a few ways to help prevent this (home-made solutions, vented ear-plugs, etc),

I've had a couple bouts of swimmer's ear, and I can relate what my GP has told me. In terms of prevention, he recommended some OTC drops called "Buro-Sol". He advised taking them before diving, and again afterwards. He suggested they were friendlier for the ear canal than the home-made solutions.

Most of the home-made solutions are heavy on the alchohol, which dries up the water, but also dries out the lining of the canal. This may actually make the ear canal MORE susceptible to infection, rather than less.

but we are wondering how long she should stay out of the water? DAN didn't have any info on this. I've also read a few posts on here that suggest you can still dive with swimmer's ear. Is this true?

Thanks for the help!

I was told to avoid diving for at least several weeks, although swimming should be fine. When I told the doc I was in the middle of a course, he frowned, and then said that no harm would come from diving, it just wouldn't be comfortable. And it wasn't! I just tried to be VERY gentle when clearing my ears. I just finished my advanced cert dives less than a week after the infection, and so far I can still hear! :05:

Hope that helps!!

BioBoy...

 

[BrianS]

I still can't understand why he wouldn't know if you could get it wet again. You sure he's a real doctor?

Dr. wasn't too sure. He's not used to diving. Sorry...should have metioned that!

 

[spectrum]

I have "heard" that you can dive while being treated for swimmers ear. Contact DAN if you're members, if not here's a first good reason. It never hurts to have access to dive savy doctors.

I use the 50/50 vinegar and alchohol mix. Remember to lay on each side letting the filled ear stand for 5 full minutes, no cheating.

Pete

 

[Mark Goodchild]

I find using this stuff stops me having problems:

http://www.simplyscuba.com/ProductDetails.aspx?StockID=70479

Works for me!