Basic HTML Version
www.alertdiver.com
|
51
Alcohol ingestion may also enhance the effects of nitrogen narcosis.
Elevated BAC, dehydration and nitrogen narcosis together may result in
otherwise preventable accidents due to decreased problem-solving ability.
Many divers appreciate a cold beer, but drinking and diving can turn a safe
activity into a nightmare for both the diver and all those impacted by a rescue
or fatality. Think twice before combining alcohol and diving.
Q:
I have been getting advice from lots of people about what kind
of drops to put in my ears after diving. What does DAN have
to say?
A:
Ear drops are not necessary postdive for most divers.
The purpose of most ear drops is to prevent external ear-canal
infections (known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear). Infections of the
ear canal are associated with persistent moisture as well as local skin trauma,
which can result from insertion of cotton swabs or other objects into the ears.
(These can damage the thin skin that lines the ear canal. As DAN medics are
fond of saying, “Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.”)
These factors can enable bacterial overgrowth and infection.
Difficulty equalizing, clicking or crackling sounds and feelings of fullness or
fluid in the ears probably indicate a mild or moderate barotrauma of the middle
ear. Middle-ear barotrauma is neither treated nor helped by drops placed in
the ear canal, as the injury exists on the other side of the eardrum. An intact
eardrum forms a barrier that will prevent the drops from reaching the middle
ear. A perforated eardrum might allow drops to enter the middle ear, but this
would not help and could be harmful.
For divers plagued by swimmer’s ear, gently rinsing the ears with fresh water
after each dive may help. Drying the ears with a hair dryer (taking care the air is
not too hot) may also be helpful. If these methods are not effective, the next step
is using commercially available eardrops to limit persistent moisture. Common
ingredients in these formulations can include acetic acid (the active ingredient
in vinegar), boric acid, aluminum acetate, sodium acetate, isopropyl alcohol and
glycerin. The acids alter pH, which retards bacterial growth; aluminum acetate and
sodium acetate are astringents, which shrink tissues. Isopropyl alcohol helps dry the
tissues, and glycerin may help lubricate the skin and prevent excessive drying.
Any diver who experiences ear symptoms after diving — especially pain,
hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing/buzzing sound) — should discontinue diving
and be evaluated by a doctor. Prompt treatment may prevent further irritation
ONE THIRD Vertical Final.indd 1
9/6/11 12:26 PM
S T E P H E N F R I N K