External otitis causes more than 2.4 million medical visits per year in the US. Discover causes, germs and prevention.
Recurrent external otitis is a common complaint, aggravated by continuous humidity and the use of wetsuits. Divers seek guidance on the use of products such as boric alcohol or Synalar Otico, special diving earplugs (such as ProPlugs), and how to prevent infections without giving up the activity. Serous otitis and its implications for equalization are also a concern.
The CDC estimates that external otitis causes more than 2.4 million medical visits annually in the US, with divers and regular swimmers being the highest-risk group. Prolonged moisture deteriorates the protective wax film of the ear canal and the skin barrier, facilitating entry of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus. The most effective prevention is to tilt the head after each dive to facilitate drainage and to preventively apply a solution of diluted acetic acid or 70% isopropyl alcohol.