Ear 'Squeeze', Infections, Dizziness, Problems? - Information & Discussion.

[Dr Stevil]

The dilutions for the vinegar treatment are 1:1 or even 1:2 or 1:3 depending on sensitivity of your ear tissues. It doesn't act as a strong bacteriocide, it just creates an acidic environment which is not conducive to the development of the particular bacteria which give rise to ear infections, of course this will work well in conjuction with the olive oil treatment, plus it will double-up as a handy salad dressing :biggrin:
Chee-az
Steve

[Hobby]

Here's a couple of links to have a look through,the DAN one has a further link at the bottom worth a read too.How come you state Non-alcohol based Andy,just curious?
Take care,Hobby.
 http://www.scubadiving.com/training/...problems.shtml
 http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/me...p?articleid=48

[Andy Winterburn]

Hobby, thanks for the links mate;
I have just come from the doc's and he says the infection has now cleared up (hurray).
The reason I was told non alcohol based, is because
Phil Ennis is totaly correct. In that most outer ear infections are because of a 'flaking of the skin' in the ear passage, the alcohol can make this worse which allows infections in.
Phil you were totaly correct in the prevention as well, Dr wouldn't give me any presciption drugs or creams but sent me off to the supermarket for Olive oil. Three drops two or three times a week
Chose Extra Virgin oil, but don't tell the wife. I'm a happy bunny now. :lilbunny:

[Phil Ennis]

No problem Andy,
Its nice to be right occasionally.

[Ammers]

This is a bizarre one.  On open circuit I virtually never had a problem clearing my ears and never had any problems after dives.  Now my right ear hurts now and again on the surface...here's why!

Typically, in mixed gas closed circuit rebreathers, the percentage of oxygen in the breathing mix or oxygen fraction is very high at the beginning of the dive, typically 70 percent or higher. The middle ear gets filled with a gas containing a high concentration of oxygen.

During the dive, this presents no problem, you simply equalise whenever a pressure imbalance is felt.  However, upon reaching the surface, it's no longer considered that equalisation is necessary as a stable pressure has been reached.  

But the middle ear may still be filled with an oxygen rich gas.  Slowly, over time, the oxygen in the middle ear may be metabolised by the tissues surrounding the area. The volume of gas slowly decreases, resulting in a net pressure imbalance between the outer and middle ear. This can result in a squeeze, identical in effect to that experienced by descending without equalising.  

This is middle ear oxygen absorption syndrome, or O2 ear.. Military aviators occasionally experience it as well because they use oxygen during high altitude operations and experience the squeeze some time after landing.  

Because onset is so gradual, an individual may not be aware of the pressure imbalance until noticeable damage has occurred.  The is expecially true if one goes to sleep soon after the causative event.  

You are in the risk group for this problem if you use an oxygen rebreather, a semi closed rebreather with a high oxygen content nitrox mix, a mixed gas closed circuit rebreather, or any high oxygen nitrox during open circuit diving.  The risk is generally less for open circuit divers because descent and related pressure equalisation usually occur on air or whatever bottom mix is being utilised.  

Not everyone will experience this problem but manual equualisation after reaching the surface at periodic intervals should prevent this type of squeze, every 15 to 30 minutes for 2 to 4 hours.

[mixedgasdiver]

Just when we thought it was safe..........

[Seadart Bob]

<font color='#333399'>Hi  all
My mate has got a 30% ear perforation and is now worried about his diving future.
Anybody out there had a similar problem and has any advice?

Cheers for any advice forthcoming.
Bob.

[Fee]

Hi Bob

If your mate has a perf then he will have to wait at least 6 weeks and be checked again. &nbsp;Perforations will usually heal spontaneously, but in the mentime, he should take precautions to avoid water in the ear, so no diving, or ducking head under water in the bath. &nbsp;
Sorry to be mean but after all the water will still be warm in 6 weeks!
HTH
Fee

[Phill]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Fee @ June 13 2003,20:50)]the water will still be warm in 6 weeks!

Yep, Uk water is warmest in September, and coldest in March. So November is the same as July (water temp.- not air temp &amp; hence chill factor before you start).

[angleseydiver]

<font color='#000080'>Hiya Bob,
Had ear-trouble last weekend in right ear, battled to clear and dived for next four days without too much ear-hassle.
Wednesday left ear a bit &quot;full&quot; and soreish Today (friday) bad enough to have to go to GP- just got back. He had a look, said &quot;yep it's been bleeding&quot; made out Presc. for Antibi-s and &quot;tara&quot;. Had to ask him when OK to dive again. &quot;These things heal fairly quick so about a week&quot; says he, So, I dunno,
1-week ? 6-weeks?
As soon as it &quot;feels&quot; right, I'm in. I'll let you know results.
A whole week of neaps- down the pan &nbsp;
Elfyn will be getting all the dives in while I'm stuck on the boat- B*ST*RD
See ya,
Terry