Some small suggestions:
In this thread:
http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthread.php?t=65747
I found what may be an improvement on the afterdive disinfecting formula:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by stone_shot
I've found that a few drops of a solution of equal parts white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol (at least 70% strength) and hydrogen peroxide in each ear after a dive keeps the nasties away--and you'll never have a problem with wax buildup!!
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The way it works, I guess, is that the peroxide disinfects and also dislodges any stuck debris, the alcohol is also a disinfectant, and a solvent for fatty residues, and the vinegar provides an acidic environment, good against infections, mainly fungal (fungi love warm, moist places...).
This mixture, though, may overdry the outer ear, and make it more susceptible to infection (earwax is the body's natural first line protection). Using the olive oil before the dive would help repel water. Also, the olive oil can be reinforced with a nice, fresh, juicy clove of garlic, which is a natural "antibiotic". You just soak the clove in about a glass of olive oil, in a cool, dark place. It reaches max. potency in about a month, and you can use it indefinitely, as long as it lasts. This is also good to cure outer ear infection. In this case, drip it warm into the ear (not too warm!). Same recipe is great as seasoning for antipasti, but there must be greater experts on that than me around here (Spaghetti?)
BTW, I try to keep the whole ENT area clear of infection by gargling all sorts of stuff. My favourite is a strong solution of bees' Propolis, which I gargle for the longest time and then swallow. It's an acquired taste (i.e., it tastes horrible). I think the pharynx, with all the lymph nodes around it, and being the link between nose, throat and ears, is the best and most accessible place to fight infection and help the body's immune system do its work. If I catch these things in the bud (small itch in the throat/ nose a little runny/ clogged ear) I can usually drive them away before they flare up.
Another thing I do in order to maintain pharyngial health is to induce blood flow to the area by doing lots of tongue and jaw exercises, such as twirling my toungue all around the outer 'perimeter' of the teeth, several times in each direction, trying to extend the tongue all the way and feel the gums all around (quite hard in the beginning). There are quite a few other quigong and yoga exercises for this area, and headstands do a similar job. I think Pelizzari's manual also has some exercises for the area, that also improve control and facilitate equalizing.
Sorry for carrying on...
Stay healthy & dive safely,
Ofer
