Swimmer's Ear

[LUBOLD8431]

I use 50/50 Alcohol and white vinegar. Thats what my ENT recommended, and Ive been using it ever since. Five minutes in each ear. After every dive. As far as the Alcohol drying out the ear, well, thats kinda the point. I havent had any issues with the 50/50 brew...

 

[Michael Schlink]

The only problem with home brew ear beer is that the PH level is very important and the point to the alcohol is to dry the ear canal out but for some people too much drying out can create a condition refered to as "sloughing" where the skin becomes so dry that the upper layers start shedding off, this can cause more ear problems. Lubold-take a look at the DAN site regarding "Otic Domboro" I think you'll find it interesting reading-M

 

[Jason B]

I'm sure that most white vinegar has pretty much the same pH as I'm sure the same is true with alcohol. Therefore a 50/50 mix will always come out the same (pretty close anyway). What is the recommended pH? I have a pH meter and can test this out.

 

[Quarrior]

As the saying goes, timing is everything. I've been having fun this week with Swimmer's Ear. Well, not quite what I call fun anyway. But, I also received an email from DAN for an ear related on-line seminar. I just finished, quite informative. Here's the link for those that do not have it. http://www.DiversAlertNetwork.org/training/seminars/earsanddiving/

Brian

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Lubold-take a look at the DAN site regarding "Otic Domboro" I think you'll find it interesting reading-M

Yes, Ive heard of that stuff, and Ive read that article before. The only problem is the stuff is a prescription drug, and its expensive. I can make alot of ear beer (50/50 alcohol and vinegar) for the price of one itty bitty little bottle of that Domeboro. So, for now, Ill stick with what works for me.

 

[Jason B]

I just went and read the DAN articles... here's the most relevant sentence in the article as far as this topic goes.

For home brew I'd stick to what works - vinegar and isopropyl alcohol.

 

[Michael Schlink]

The other important point from the DAN info. is that the solutuion should remain in the ear for 5 minutes and it should be done every morning and evening. The B&L equivalent for the Domboro was an insignificant amount of money so I go with that. I haven't (nor anyone else using this "protocol") have had any ear problems since. So wether you buy OTC or make your own at least be sure to leave it in for 5 minutes and do it am and pm. I also carry Otic antibiotics with me in case someone starts complaining of sore ears-good luck

 

[divadiver74]

Just reading up on the home brew for ears and was wondering how much are we talking for this rx for Domboro? I have ear problems after I dive and started a thread and they recommended I read this thread and I did. Very interesting. Home brew or Domboro...hmm

 

[yknot]

Read the Dan artical again. Domboro was discontinued in something like 2000. If you want a perscription med you'll need an alternative.

 

[RobinG]

Read the Dan artical again. Domboro was discontinued in something like 2000. If you want a perscription med you'll need an alternative.

Just got a new bottle last month but now it's made by Bausch & Lomb (as someone posted iether in this thread or a similar one but I'm too lazy to go look for it). Called, in concise terms (NOT) Acetic Acid 2% in Aqueous Aluminu Acetate Otic Solution.

Hmm--I'm Robin and I will be your waitress tonight. Our special is....

(anyway, many of us can't tolerate a week's worth of multiple alcohol treatments because we're delicate and special and it does more harm than good). This stuff is for us.

Robin