Itchy ears

[chuam]

Ok so I paddy hopped on Sunday and I want to pull my ears off my head today. I wear doc pro plugs when I dive and I use some OTC ear water remover when I get home. Problem is my ear canals always end up starting to itch about a day or two after and then get really bad for a couple of days. It takes everything I have not to stick anything in my ears to itch them. This is driving me insane.

Anyone else have this problem or know of a solution?

[rhyne]

I've never heard of wearing ear plugs for diving...is this a good general practice to use, kinda like how some people use ear plugs when riding motorcycles because the wind/road/motor noise over time is bad for hearing?

[fishnstix]

that was happening too me. then i started to use swim ear drops after any ocean activity. the alcohol seems to disinfect it.

when mine where itching a shitload i was jamming swabs up in there. i understand this is bad news. u need to retain some of the wax, as it serves as a protective coat. constant swabbing removes this protective layer.

i might be full of it, but using them drops has alleviated the probelm. sounds reasonable enough? i am fully affiliated with swim ear, so go buy a couple cases. just messin.

[Der Juicen]

i also use docs pro plugs. they have a vent in them that allows a small amount of water to enter and then keeps it warm. preventing cold water from continuously flushing in and out of the ear. it also allows for equalization. if the plugs did not have a vent it would not be possibly to equalize and really cause some problems for the ear.

but i have not had the itching sensation. i also dont use any swimmers ear either. apparently using it too much dries out the wax in the ear.
there was a post recently about an ear dryer, you may want to look into that instead of the drops.

[chuam]

I ran out of the ear drops during the end of lobster season and didn't use them. Had the same problem as my ears itched after everytime in the water.

Unfortunately I have OCD when it comes to cleaning my ears so that may be a problem......

[Not Nate]

I've poured hydrogen peroxide down mine. The bubbling is very nice.

[mallen]

Originally Posted by Not Nate

I've poured hydrogen peroxide down mine. The bubbling is very nice.

Hydogen peroxide is the best for disenfecting your ears. But you may have an alergie to the plastic the plugs are made of.

[Kelsea]

It sounds like a dryness problem - I agree with an earlier reply that you might not have enough protective wax. To clean you ears without seriously drying them out, use drops and flush with warm water, but dont use those cue tips. I flush at the end of every day I dive. I dont use ear plugs, but I hope this helps and that you find some alleviation.

[downdiver2]

Try putting drops (Healthy amount around 10) of Mineral Oil. I do that once a week to clean my ears. I used to have an itch and am now cured.

[Fis_Hunter]

There was a thread about an ear wash ear care infections or somthing like that about two or three months ago which talked about diffrent types of ear washes try searching for it.

[rrogueman]

Try just plain white vinegar, it’s an antifungal and antibacterial. It will stop swimmers ear from forming. Just put some into each ear after your done swimming for the day.

Swim ear drops that you get over the counter is just alcohol and will start eroding the protective cerumen in your ear making you more susceptible to irritation and infection. It’s used as a drying agent but does not address the issue of infection.
Rick

[bluesquids]

Originally Posted by rrogueman

Try just plain white vinegar, it’s an antifungal and antibacterial. It will stop swimmers ear from forming. Just put some into each ear after your done swimming for the day.

Swim ear drops that you get over the counter is just alcohol and will start eroding the protective cerumen in your ear making you more susceptible to irritation and infection. It’s used as a drying agent but does not address the issue of infection.
Rick

Doc told me the exact same thing. OTC drops are alcohol and are very irritating.
He said half and half vinegar and water.

[Fis_Hunter]

Thats it a mixture of vinegar and alcohol (like vodka not rubbing alcohol) ethonol alcohol not isopropal (sp) it is not supposed to remove as much wax.

[Alkilla]

I have the same problem with one ear and the swim ear did work
and now it doesnt make any difference
the q tips made it worse and just made my ears bleed
it depend on how I rest my head when I go to sleep

[apneanaut]

Swim ear drops definitely irritate my ears and seem to make them itchier. I will try the vinegar solution, that sounds promising.