Ear infections

[Arfie]

I seem to be susceptable to ear infections and I'm wondering if water left in after diving could be an issue?

Does anyone else have this problem? do the swim ear drops help?

It doesn't happen all the time and it's not always bad, but this infection is my second one of the year and it hurts enough to make me think about future prevention.

Arfie

[SoggyFox]

i get the same. Otitis externa?

[Houseplant]

i hear good things about ear-calm, apparently, it's less irritant to the skin than swim-ear. i use it, though for different reasons.

[SoggyFox]

I've found not damaging the skin in the ear canal helps, no digging around with a cotton wool bud, I use earex instead.

[principia]

See if you can get Otomise on prescription from your GP for preventative purposes. Some will, some wont.

J.

[Martin Owen]

About 2 years ago i had a couple of ear infections within a couple of months after diving muddy puddles, so i started using swim ear with good results - it does get rid of quite a bit of water left inside the ear.
I rarely use it after a dive now, but all my diving now is done in the sea - make of that what you will.

[Steve S]

Yes, I used to suffer repeated infections after diving and swimming, nowadays I use swim ear after either one and touch wood haven't had a problem since.

Safe diving,
Steve

[Arfie]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

i get the same. Otitis externa?

Eh?

Originally Posted by Sipadan

i hear good things about ear-calm, apparently, it's less irritant to the skin than swim-ear. i use it, though for different reasons.

That seems to be for treating minor ear infections, whereas I'm looking at whether I can possibly prevent them in the first place by getting shut of any trapped water.

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

I've found not damaging the skin in the ear canal helps, no digging around with a cotton wool bud, I use earex instead.

no cotton buds? but they feel sooooooooooo good

Originally Posted by Martin Owen

About 2 years ago i had a couple of ear infections within a couple of months after diving muddy puddles, so i started using swim ear with good results - it does get rid of quite a bit of water left inside the ear.
I rarely use it after a dive now, but all my diving now is done in the sea - make of that what you will.

What is this "sea" of which you speak

Originally Posted by Steve S

Yes, I used to suffer repeated infections after diving and swimming, nowadays I use swim ear after either one and touch wood haven't had a problem since.

Safe diving,
Steve

I think it's probably the best thing to try to start with, I don't particularly want something that I need on prescription (not a fan of going to Drs in general).

Cheers
Arfie

[sean0801]

rinse ears out with bottled water after a dive, use the swim ear to dry it all out then a quick squirt of otomise to calm it all down.

I always have some co amaxiclav handy in case i feel it starting up, rather than wait till it feels like someone shoved a tennis ball down your ear

[jim robb]

You can buy vented earplugs which allow you to equalise, and prevent ear infections happening in the first place. They are called Docs Proplugs and cost about a tenner. I couldnt dive without them and have never had any problem with my ears since using them. I cant recommend them enough. You can buy them online at Aberdeen Watersports.