European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - June 30, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse                                To moisture whether in comes from showering swimming diving or simply a very humid environment he More Likely an infection will develop Tho moisture lends to Wash away or Wax. A natural protective coating. The skin hat lines the ear canal is then subject to disintegration and microbial attack. Although infectious organisms Are not normally present in the ear canal they can be carried in with the moisture or other intrusions. Some people Are especially vulnerable to swimmer s ear. Their ear canals might be curved Morrow Etc or obstructed for example by cysts Bony growths plugs of ear wan skin disorders or congestion caused by allergies. Such conditions should to examined and where possible treated or corrected medically. Another risk actor is a loss of acidity in lha ear canal. Normally the lining tissues Are slightly acid which retards microbial growth. Inadequate ear Wax which can cause she canal to itch is a actor. The problem is compounded when you try to scratch with a Fingernail or another Sharp object which scratches the lining and gives microbes a Chance to gel in. To prevent his dry the ear canals when water enters especially after diving and swimming. Tilt one ear toward the ground and hop on the foot on that Side or shake your head vigorously toward that Side then you might fan your ears or use a hair dryer on Low Speed keeping the hair dryer at a Safe distance from the ear. Do not use a Cotton lipped applicator or the i wished Point of a cloth or Towel this will Only irritate the tissue. Divers should consider further preventive measures including ear drops containing alcohol and glycols to dry the canal and boric acid or vinegar acetic acid to restore acidity doctors caution against relying on Premol ded earplugs since hey do no form watertight seals sealing the plugs with an agent like Petroleum Jelly can trap moisture and compound the problem. Several swimmers i know recommend wads of silly Putty clean please or another flexible material like Wax which can be shaped to the outer ear for a better Seal symptoms of swimmer s ear vary from mild to severe. Mild cases involve moderate pain that is usually made worse by touching or manipulating the outer ear Low Grade fever and perhaps a Small discharge. In More severe cases the pain is intense the ear canal swells shut diminishing hearing and the Side of the face and head throb. Glands near the ear May swell the temperature might go As High As 104 degrees and a foul smelling yellow discharge might seep trom the ear once swimmer s ear develops it should be treated promptly by a physician. Do not rely on Home remedies. Tow doctor will take measures to dry the canal re acidify it and eradicate the microbes with antibiotics. Sometimes a Collon Wick soaked in by of s solution is used to reduce swelling and pain in is equally important to avoid exposing the ears to Renoi Lufe until he infection has cleared completely. Usually this Means no swimming Tor at least two weeks. Aero Titis the worst pain i Ever experienced occurred 21 years ago when i Lew to a Izona while recovering from the flu and suffered a Haemorrhage in my Middle car As the plane descended i had of return to new York by Iron and was grounded six months while my car healed and to clot resorted i was suffering Tram Aero filis which is caused by an inability of Tho oar to equalize the pressure in a Middle ear with that of the outside air when the plane ascends Cabin pressure a gradually decreased to Iha of an Alli Lude of 5.000 to 8,000 feet. The air in Tho Middle ear chamber expands and some escapes through the eustachian Vulje often causing a popping san Salon. When the plane descends the air pressure is increased and the air in the ear chamber compresses producing a partial vacuum. Ii Tho eustachian ube is Clear air automatically re enters the Middle ear to equalize the pressure. However Many factors can natron or close this vital passage most commonly upper respiratory congestion from colds or allergies. Alcoholic beverages which cause mucous membranes to swell can contribute to the problem. I have also Lound that eating or drinking while the plane descends makes matters worse. To prevent the problem try not to by if your nasal passages Are a Lully. If you Musl Fly. Ear specialists urge careful preparation take