9 replies to this topic

[ColoradoPilot]

At the end of my first trip to Cozumel several years ago I developed an terrific ear infection. Eating was painful. Upon returning home, I researched the issue and found suggestions for Boric acid/alchohol mixtures as well as vinegar/alcohol solutions. Eventually I settled on straight vinegar (from the grocery store). Now after dives I place a few drops of vinegar in each ear...let it work for 30 seconds or so then drain any excess. I have not had an ear infection since.

Now I am not a podiatrist so you may wish to ask your doctor if this is right for you, but it works great for me.

You can use droppers or go to a outdoors store (like REI) and get a flip open dispenser. An ounce or so bottle works fine.

[chinacat46]

Well since your not a podiatrist I guess it's okay for me to ask if you use Balsamic Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar. Gald you didn't say proctologist.

[ColoradoPilot]

Just white vinegar. I need to buy a new bottle soon. Also note that using alcohol may help dry ears but that may also irritate them if it removes too much ear wax. Some have suggested using baby oil pre-dive but I have never done that.

[Lubold8431]

I use 50/50 alcohol and vinegar after every dive, both ears, and I havent gotten an ear infection when I do this. Sometimes, I forget though, and last season I had three ear infections. I thought it was my tonsils giving me trouble, so I had them removed last october. We'll see what happens this season. So far, so good...

[Walter]

I also use the 50/50 mix.

[chinacat46]

Well since I asked what kind of vinegar I might as well find out if you use Jack Daniels or Absolut?

[mischievous]

but then we'd wonder if you have to put it in your ear or if you could try taking it orally and then just seeing if not only you can squirt fluids through your nose when laughing but your ears as well. hmmm....an infection would probably explain why my ears had hurt so much after diving. thanks for the post COPilot.

[Marvel]

but then we'd wonder if you have to put it in your ear or if you could try taking it orally and then just seeing if not only you can squirt fluids through your nose when laughing but your ears as well. hmmm....an infection would probably explain why my ears had hurt so much after diving. thanks for the post COPilot.

Since ears are a sore subject for me , thanks for the info, all!

[ColoradoPilot]

Of course "ear ear" in my original post should have been "each ear"

[Lubold8431]

Just use regular white vinegar.