About Divers Ear (Otitis Externa)

Divers ear is also commonly known as Swimmers ear, before we start explaining Swimmers ear we like to mention that scuba-divers can develop Surfers ear in the long run.

Otitis externa, (swimmers ear) is an infection of the external ear from bacterial or fungi growth in the ear canal. This is caused by small drops of water that gets trapped within the canal and encourages bacteria to proliferate. As a result of frequent exposure, the skin thickens inside the ear and makes the canal narrower which can cause in eventual hearing loss.

Doc’s Proplugs can prevent swimmers ear, and ear pain by blocking water from entering the ears, keeping ears warm and preventing the flushing of water in and out of the ear. Ear pain and infection are caused by cold exposure and erosion of delicate skin and wax in the ear canal.

Upon descent, Vented-Proplugs prevent water from entering the ear down to 5 meters in depth. Once the diver enters greater depths, water will be allowed into the ear for equalization. Unlike other earplugs, ours includes a Scott’s valve which allows ears to equalize easily and let sound in. Doc’s Proplugs have been used by hundreds of thousands of divers for over thirty years who testify that proplugs are the earplugs for divers.

Equalization with Doc’s Vented-Proplugs have also been used by divers who have trouble equalizing. Unlike other earplugs which are solid and are not to be recommended for diving, Proplugs are vented to allow equalization. While the small vent allows equalization to occur it does not allow debris to enter and it prevents earwax from washing out which exposes delicate ear tissue.

Thermal Shock: The Proplugs keep ears warm by storing the head’s conductive heat; the warmth provided by the plugs drastically reduces the risk of thermal shock.

Due to surface tension the vented plug also reduces abrupt pressure changes from reaching the sensitive eardrum which contributes to easier equalization. Clear ears often to allow air to escape through the Proplugs vent and allow for better equalization. Proplug wearers who have trouble clearing their ears should check to make sure a lump of ear wax is not blocking the canal or butting up against the vent. If the vent is fouled by debris while descending it is best to remove the Proplug. If fouled while ascending, there is no problem because the air and water under pressure can escape around the Proplug.

Hundreds of thousands of divers have attested to the benefits of Proplugs for relieving pressure in their ear during descent and have added Doc’s Proplugs as an essential accessory to their diving equipment.