Wow! He got results from just being *showed* it?? ;) That's really powerful ear beer! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich
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Wow! He got results from just being *showed* it?? ;) That's really powerful ear beer! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich
40:40:20 of rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and glycerin. I've had good luck with it keeping the infection down. But don't look to be getting no dates from it due to the smell. I use a contact solution dropper correctly marked with EAR BEER. lol
Ken
Thanks everyone.
My mustard bottle is empty again, so it's time to make a new batch and thought I would ask around a little before I refilled it. I think I will try it with a little glycerin this time. I have had good luck in the past just using the 50/50 mix but sometimes I would still have that funny feeling in my ears the next morning. Thats probably caused by the drying effect of the alcohol. I also think I will try using it before a dive. I haven't tried that before but I can see where it would help too.
Thanks again, and safe diving...
Howie
i think i took it a little too literally..... since i have been using actual beer :(
http://www.deepcaves.net/smilies/roflguy.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Scott
50/50 91% isopropyl (available at Walgreen's) and white vinegar works for me. Commercially-avaliable "SwimEar" (95% isopropyl +5% anhydrous glycerine) also works, but is $5.00 for a couple ounces. FWIW, Hydrogen peroxide's major degradation byproduct is water, which you're trying to eliminate from your ear canal. The bubbling action probably agitates the water, etc. in the canal enough to promote drying, but it does nothing to restore the naturally acidic pH of the canal (approx. 5.5) which helps prevent bacterial infection.
As far as prevention goes, don't use Q-Tips or similar products (bobby pins, pens, brass 0-ring pick, jackhammers, etc.) to clean the ear canal. The protective wax covering and underlying skin is very thin and abrasion of same is a setup for a nasty infection.
You left out car keys - does this mean they're okay?Quote:
Originally Posted by divindoc
I was thinking the very same thing - you beat me to it!Quote:
Originally Posted by Slüdge
Not to mention the additional benefit - with a thin lubricating layer of earwax on my truck keys, my locks never freeze up! :)
Mike
A standard 50/50 mix of alcohol and vinegar will work well for the typical Joe Sixpack making average dives.
The more sophisticated diver, the man or woman of refined tastes, acustomed to the finer things of life, will want something a step above. I'll offer, then, a few suggestions for selecting an appropriate ear wine instead of the common ear beer.
For diving in the clear, sparkling waters of Florida's springs and caves, a good chardonnay is the obvious choice. Some divers seem to prefer a sparkling wine, perhaps even a real Champagne, and while it's true that the bubbling effect seems to help with the ear cleaning process, the dangers of opening the pressurized cork add an unnecessary risk to an already hazardous activity.
In darker cave systems, or low vis situations such as where the river has backed up tannic water into the cave, something a bit hardier is called for, though a white is still in order. A sauvignon blanc is a good choice for these situations.
In cold saltwater situations, I suggest moving to the reds. A merlot can be a good selection, as can the better zinfandels.
Sump diving, of course, demands the earthy scents of a good cabernet, rich in tannins.
Maintaining a good ear wine cellar will, unfortunately, add considerable expense to the already pricey activity of cave diving. The additional satisfaction, though, of knowing that you've carefully selected exactly the right varietal and vintage to pour into your ears will make it all worthwhile.
Too funny half-fast...