Diving : any good tips for your ears?

Question

We're off diving in a couple of weeks, got into it 3 years ago and loved it. The problem is my ears always get infected after being in the sea, which generally stops me from diving after a couple of days.

I've tried various preventative measures recommended by doctors and friends (sweet almond oil and the like..) but nothing has worked so far.

Any divers out there with the ultimate ear solution?

Answer 1

Hi Otter, I am a divemaster with more than 1000 dives and I have faced this only once and never again because I know how to prevent it from happening...

It is very simple, you will need to rinse your ears with pure water immediately after the dive and then do that again when you are dry...

I always do this and advice my friends to do the same and no body is having infection issues... The oils that doctors are advicing are not for preventing the infections but to cure it maybe...

Answer 2

Rinse your ears with fresh, clean water after diving, then use the ear drops that contain rubbing alcohol to help dry out the ear.  You can make your own ear drops by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and *white* vinegar.  You only need a few drops.

I always put them in while laying my head sideways, then pull your earlobe to let the drops reach all parts.  Turn your head over and reverse to get it all out.

You can also use a blow dryer (on cool) to dry out the ear canal.  That helps prevent infections.

Be careful with cotton swabs and fingers in the ear - they can scratch the canal and give bacteria a place to invade.  My swimming coach used to say "Never put anything other than your elbow in your ears."