Poll: Do you get ear infections from diving?

Chris · 09-06-2002, 01:13 PM,

I got yet another ear infection from diving Wazee last weekend... seems like I get one almost every time I dive there. I've been using 'Swimmers Ear' drops after every dive and that seems to help...I must have forgotten to use them after my last dive Monday.

Argh... I hate ear infections!

Markn · 09-06-2002, 02:01 PM,

Chris,
I did my AOW at Wazee and caught swimmers ear. I had never had a problem before, but like you, I now use the drops after every dive.
Mark

**freedivernd** · 09-06-2002, 02:30 PM,

I should take my vote back and say "once". I've started using a brew of 50% rubbing alchohol and 50% white vinegar most of the time after I dive. I'm acutely aware of what goes on with my ears (like most divers) and told the doctor I was getting swimmers ear... he said no, it's usually red, swollen, and pusy so he give me some mix for something else ... well - one week later it was getting red, swollen, and pusy. Sad

The mix I got that time was over $70 to cure it, fortunately ins. paid about 1/2. Now it's the home brew to avoid it.

Fred

LKunze · 09-06-2002, 02:49 PM,

I got a nasty case of swimmers ear after diving Crosby back in June. I ended up going to the doctor to get some antibiotics and drops to clear it up. I now put "AuroDry" drops in after each day of diving and that seems to be working for me.

wholehawg · 09-10-2002, 06:26 AM,

I never used to get them until last April. I went diving for 4 days in a row and got a major ear infection Sad

(It hurt to chew!!!).

Now it seems that I have problems unless I use that swimmers ear stuff. I also have had good luck with alcohol mixed with a bit of vinegar.

DanL · 09-12-2002, 06:23 PM,

Anybody ever use hydrogen peroxide to clean/disinfect ears? Saw it recommended somewhere in the past, but have no idea whether it works or not.
Dan

SUBMERGED · 09-13-2002, 03:41 PM,

DanL, People would think you have rabies but instead of foaming at the mouth, you would be foaming at the ear.
I have been lucky so far and havn't had any problems with ears infections. Knock on wood. The only time I use drops is when I get water trapped in the ears. Its an alcohol base and dries the water up.
Does anyone know why some people get ear infections more than others?

LKunze · 08-13-2003, 08:34 AM,

I ran out of drops last weekend at Crosby and neglected to buy some more when I got home. Now I feel an infection coming on in one ear.> Sad

Fortunately I still have prescription meds left from last year to clear it up. A painful reminder of another important thing to make sure I have in my dive kit. I'm assuming with the warmer water temps we have now that there are more nasty things floating in the water to cause infections.

doxiepb · 08-13-2003, 11:36 AM,

Another way of preventing ear infections is to use Doc's ProPlugs. I too am very prone to getting infections. The plugs only let a drop or two of water into your ears during the dive and do not in any way affect equalizing. It's a cheap preventative measure that also alleviates the problem of having an ear full of water for days after your dive.

Mark Y · 08-13-2003, 12:10 PM,

Never had eye infections until this year. After several painful experiences (and doctor visits) I purchased a pair of ear plugs (Doc's ProPlugs) - best $8.00 I ever spent.

Drawbacks? Remember to put them in prior to donning your dry gloves & hood. Also, they do impair your hearing somewhat.

Poll: Do you get ear infections from diving? You do not have permission to vote in this poll.
Yes	26.32%	5	26.32%
No	47.37%	9	47.37%
Sometimes	21.05%	4	21.05%
Not if I use ear drops	5.26%	1	5.26%
Total		19 vote(s)	100%