In search of a good Ear Beer Recipe

[Howie]

I am looking for a good or improved ear beer recipe.

Is a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol & white vinegar still what most reccomend?

Just thought I would see anyone has learned anything I missed.

[Sludge]

I use 1/3 each hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, and distilled white vinegar. I also use a few drops before each dive and a few drops after each dive. I've heard various reasons why not to use peroxide and why I shouldn't put it in before the dive, but here's the most important thing: if I do as I said I NEVER have ear problems. If I don't, I virtually ALWAYS have problems.

That's good enough for me.

[Webmaster]

Works for me, although I get the 90% alcohol rather than the 70% or whatever it is.

I am looking for a good or improved ear beer recipe.

Is a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol & white vinegar still what most reccomend?

Just thought I would see anyone has learned anything I missed.

[Squirrel Girl]

I am looking for a good or improved ear beer recipe.

Is a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol & white vinegar still what most reccomend?

Just thought I would see anyone has learned anything I missed.

That's what DAN recommends. And Marbry's right--isopropyl comes in something like 3 percentages. Get the 91%. I believe they say you can add some glycerin to avoid quite so much drying of your ear tissue. But I thought you *wanted* drying, so I skip the glycerin.

I don't put hydrogen peroxide in because DAN doesn't have it on the ear beer recipe. But I used to use it to get rid of wax. I had no apparent problems. But it isn't on DAN's list, so I don't use it for the ear beer.

[Line Squirrel]

(3) parts 91% isopropyl alcohol, (1) part white vinegar. I add a couple drops of Glycerin to keep ears from drying out but not necessary. You're going to have to hunt around for it but the 91% isopropyl alcohol rather than the 70% is key I believe.

[Squirrel Girl]

DAN revisits and expands on the preventive measures for otitis externa

[stairman]

50/50 vinegar and isopranol alcohol works for me. Many forget to do it before the dive but it helps to clean the canals before water pressure pushes any bacteria further in from what I understand, then of course after the dive inwhich 1 minute, then drain works for me.

[Jim Wyatt]

I get bad infections if I do not use ear beer. 50/50 alcohol & vinegar. This is what my NOAA diving medical officer physician friend suggests I use. It works as I never get infections if I use it post dive.

[amphipod06]

DAN revisits and expands on the preventive measures for otitis externa

+1 on this one, it was, after all, concocted by an actual dive doctor...

Been using it for years, never failed so far....

Dive safe,

Celia

[Rich]

I got this from Cheryl and never thought it would work but it does. I hardly ever get ear infections, but when I do she just pours straight peroxide in my ears, lets it sit for about 5 mins, rinses it out and it works like a charm. Showed it to Allen when he got one and he was just amazed with the results. YMMV......

Safe diving,

Rich