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Preventing Swimmer's Ear by Doc Vikingo Prevention and treatment of dive-related earache depends upon whether the cause is in the external auditory canal or middle ear space. You may consult the following for basic ear anatomy----> http://www.audiologyawareness.com/hhelp/anat100.gif The most common symptom of outer ear inflammation or infection, known as swimmer’s ear or otitis externa, is discomfort/pain that may worsen with pulling on the ear. In more severe cases, there may be a discharge in or coming from the canal. When the problem is within the external ear canal, preventative steps include the application of drops that protect ear tissue and inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. There are a variety of such products on the OTC market, but a number of them contain large amounts of alcohol, a chemical that will dissolve the cerumen (ear wax) in the canal and possibly be excessively drying, leaving it prone to infection. For the same reason, products containing hydrogen peroxide should be used with restraint. A diver with repeated outer ear inflammation/infection may want to try placing a few drops of mineral oil or lanolin into a dry and healthy ear canal before each dive to see if this helps. If this doesn't prove adequately effective, this procedure can be coupled with the post-dive application of a mix of 75% distilled water and 25% white vinegar. This can easily be made at home & should be mixed afresh before each dive trip. If recurrence continues, one can try a product similar to Otic Domboro, a prescription preparation recommended for its divers by the US Navy. For reasons that are unclear (at least to me), then manufacturer (Bayer) ceased production back in Dec '00. However, shortly thereafter Bosch & Lomb came out with a generic formulation (NDC 24208-615-77) not requiring a prescription. Now, again for reasons that are unclear to me, I understand this later product also is being discontinued. If you are unable to find such a formulation, it can be easily compounded by your local pharmacist at reasonable cost. Take the following recipe to the pharmacy: Aqueous Solution: 8 parts of aluminum acetate solution BP with 5 parts purified water, freshly boiled and cooled. Or Non Aqueous Solution: 2% acetic acid, in a propylene glycol vehicle containing propylene glycol diacetate 3% and sodium acetate 0.015%. Instructions for use for both are: Apply to both ears once a day unless the water being dived is contaminated. In that case, use the drops before and after diving. Tilt the head to one side, add 2-3 drops (taking care not to let the dropper touch the ear or anything else) and then gently massage the ear in a circular motion for about 5 seconds before lifting it upright. The shelf life for both once the bottles are opened will be on the order of one week. It is not a good idea to dive with an ear that is infected, substantially inflamed or congested and poses a threat to easy and complete equalization. This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such. © Doc Vikingo
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