Ear Issues

[greyzen]

So I've not seen a thread about problematic ear issues post-diving and figured I'd make one.

So I was at the lake all weekend and now my left ear feels like some gauze is in it... and it is mildly achy. I've heard of swimmers ear and wonder if that isn't what I'm running into. It seems like it wants to drain but no drainage happens, kinda sucks.

[Hemlon]

Definitely have it checked. If you need the name of an awesome ENT doc, let me know.

[greyzen]

Well thats comforting...

I equalized no problem all weekend, and it doesn't really feel worse than allergies (which is kinda what I was thinking it might have been).

Do I have some wierd form of ear-alien now? Am I about to have some strange larval creature erupt from my head to take over the world?

[Disneymom]

greyzen - I started one way back right after I joined the boards.

I have one ear that always gives me fits.
If it's a little sore, you might be trying to get an ear infection. Keep the "ear beer" around and use it after you dive to help kill the little bugs and dry your ear.
Get in and see your doc! Good luck.

[Hemlon]

Many divers, especially newbies, tend to overcompensate when equalizing. After all, it's a skill that most of us never had to consciously do prior to diving. (or in other activities which cause a change in altitude)

It's possible that they are just sore from too frequent or hard equalizing.
But why chance it?

[greyzen]

meh, at least it's not an alien... that would be very inconvenient.

Yeah, I've had ear infections before and this don't feel as painful as that was. I suppose I could try me some ear-beer, but I'm also wondering if it isn't soreness (as my jaw on that side kinda tight too).

If it don't clear up by tomorrow I'll talk to the pro's!

[fire diver]

Sounds exactly like the symptoms of my ear infection I am still fighting. Last weekend (a week ago) I dove my butt off. Spent over 8 hours submerged (good times!). But the next Monday, my left ear felt kinda stuffy and tender. I thought maybe it was from equalizing so many times, it was just sore. NOPE! By Tuesday evening it was really hurting. I went to the minor emergency clinic where the doc said I had an infection. He prescribed a combination of antibiotic/pain/steroid drops. Then the next day my right ear starts hurting. The right one is just now clearing up.

If you still have problems tomorrow, or if it gets worse today, go see a doc.

FD

[Subaqua]

First, I would suggest you to see a doctor to be sure. I know several divers that use baby oil or almond oil before diving. I believe it's very good to prevent ear infection. If you still get ear infection, I know that one or two drops of tea tree oil is very good (I tried it!).

Good luck

[chewyjr15]

what exactly is ear beer? how do you use it? make it? does it hurt wheb you use it?

[somewhereinla]

I think it refers to rubbing alcohol also known as Isopropyl Alcohol. A couple of drop in your hear cannals after diving will help your hear dry faster. Lot's of divers/swimmers use it.