Found a stat about ear infections in divers that blew my mind

Was reading through some DAN dive medicine articles last night and saw that over 60% of commercial divers get outer ear infections at least once a year, even with proper cleaning routines. I always thought it was more rare since most of us use those ear drying drops after every dive. Has anyone else had chronic ear issues even when you stay on top of maintenance?

3 comments

3 Comments

evan_cooper7322h ago

Used to think I was doing everything right with the drops and drying after every dive, but seeing that 60% stat really changed my mind. It's wild how common it is even when you follow all the rules. Honestly makes me wonder if the drops themselves mess with the ear's natural balance after a while. Now I'm way more careful about keeping my ears dry on the surface too, not just after the dive.

michaelgrant18h ago

Man, that's a really good point about the drops themselves. I mean, I never thought about it that way but it makes total sense. Your ears have that natural wax and good bacteria that keeps things balanced, and dumping in drying agents everyday probably messes with that. Maybe it's just me but I feel like we're over-correcting by using so many products when simple air drying might be enough for most dives. I've started just tilting my head and letting gravity do the work for a few extra minutes instead of jamming drops in there. It's crazy how something so common can sneak up on you even when you think you're being careful.

the_max23h ago

Over 60% of commercial divers" getting ear infections shows how something we think is rare is actually super common.