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Diving Bonaire: Doc's ProPlugs
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2008-2009: Archives 04-01-2009 to 07-31-2009: Doc's ProPlugs
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dr. Director (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #503) on Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 6:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Had an issue last November where I had to have my eardrum punctured to relieve fluid buildup after returning home. Am supposed to be okay for diving again but am considering using Doc's ProPlugs to make equalization easier. What is BTer's experience (recent or older) with ProPlugs? (I did a search and the last thread was in 2005 -- mostly positive.)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1960) on Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 8:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Diane, and I have been using pro plugs for the past 10 years. I am very suseptical to ear infections when diving. If I forget to put them in before a dive I will be in the doctors office 2 days latter. We really like them. Just keep them clean, and don't get them with the lanyard as they get pulled out of your head when geared up... Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R J (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #139) on Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 9:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I bought a set of pro plugs last year and really like them. They do help to reduce water getting to ear and gave no problem with them.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro-www.bonairebeachcondo.com (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2243) on Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 6:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Dr. Director..I use them all the time when diving. Helps keep much of the annoying water out of the external ear canal.
Also recommend Neil Med nasal rinse when I'm diving to aid equalization. I use it once a day when on Bonaire. Excellent.

http://www.neilmed.com/usa/products.php

If you continue to have equalization problems/issues see an ENT doc as you may have a deviated septum.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dr. Director (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #504) on Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 8:31 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron, RJ and Vince,

Thanks for the info. I generally have not had issues with equalizing (although I do have to descend slowly with many forced valsalvas), but after 4 weeks of multiple dives daily, during the trip home last November, one ear wouldn't equalize. Pressure built up the next day and necessitated a trip to the ENT who prescribed Methylprednisolone. When that didn't resolve the problem, he punctured the ear drum to drain the fluid. Have been OK since, but do not want a repeat experience, so was thinking of ProPlugs as extra help to ease the process. Re the lanyard, thanks for that guidance Ron.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #622) on Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 11:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Been using Pro Plugs for many years, not only for diving but also every day swimming laps at my gym. In ten years of swimming laps every day, I have never once had to do the "one leg hop with head tilted to one side dance" to get water out of my ears. Just make sure that you order the correct size for your ear and follow their fitting and insertion instructions. A great product IMHO.

For Bonaire diving what I do is keep them in their case in my BC pocket. I take them out right before I enter the water (on the boat, on the dock, or on the shore) and put them in. Once I'm back on land/boat/dock, I put them back in the case and put them back in my BC pocket. You MUST get the vented ones for diving. I also recommend the red ones over the clear ones to make them easier to find if you drop one.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1131) on Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 3:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Pro Plugs are meant to prevent ear infections in the ear canal aren't they? They don't help in opening the eustachian tubes and thereby properly equalizing the ears do they?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro-www.bonairebeachcondo.com (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2244) on Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 6:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Marcus..Part of their advertising is that they are also an aid to equalizing the pressure. I suspect this is due to the tiny hole in it which acts as to restrict the rate of pressure change vs nothing in the ear. Sort of like the way a water restrictor works inside a shower head.

Dr Director.. Just a suggestion. I gave up on the forceful valsalva technique many years ago and personally believe it should NEVER be taught to students. In the real world, you should just close your nostrils & swallow. If that doesn't work; ASCEND. Try tilting the head to the opposite side of the clogged ear. Too many divers get into trouble trying to keep up with someone else who is not having clearing difficulties and resort to trying to force air through the Eustachian canal at the back of the nose.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vann Evans (BonaireTalker - Post #75) on Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 7:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My experience with the pro Ear plugs is also positive. Every time that I spent a week diving I would get an ear infection. since I've been using the ear plugs I haven't had any problems.

However, I do have 2 suggestions-make sure yoiu use the vented type and I also think the lanyard is better than non-lanyard because I can keep up with them easier.
Make sure that you get the right size
Vann Evans

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lori Mulhisen (BonaireTalker - Post #31) on Monday, June 8, 2009 - 9:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am also a fan of Doc's Pro Plugs and never dive without them! I feel they do make equalization easier for me because, as Vince mentioned, they restrict the rate of pressure change vs. nothing in the ear. They are especially helpful for me when diving in the cold water of Lake Erie during the summer (65-70 degrees is cold for me) as the cold water rushing in the ear without the plugs would give me the "diver's reflex" (gasping for breath and difficulty catching one's breath after submerging the head in water). I do like the lanyard as I can hold the lanyard in my mouth when removing the plugs at the surface before stowing them in my BC pocket, but as someone else mentioned, the lanyard does tend to get caught on the first stage of my regulator. You can order them with the lanyard and easily remove it if you do not like it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DJ (BonaireTalker - Post #65) on Monday, June 8, 2009 - 10:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Only negative I have found is that they limit your hearing under water.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By a retired Grunt (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #816) on Monday, June 8, 2009 - 10:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just returned from diving Bonaire May2-23 and have a bad right ear infection. My doc says no to my pool and to keep my ear dry even in the shower. I am going to try the Doc's Pro Plugs, red if I can find them, and I'll report back on how they work.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro-www.bonairebeachcondo.com (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2248) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 5:46 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Retired Grunt..You must use a solution in the external ear canal after diving to avoid otitis externa. Everyone has their favorities. Personally, I use a mixture of:
2 oz white vinegar
2 oz of diluted rubbing alcohol (1 oz alcohol; 1 oz water)
2 oz of glycerine (buy at CVS)
6 drops of teatree oil

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dr. Director (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #507) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 7:56 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vince,

Our "home brew" is 50/50 rubbing alcohol/white vinegar (U.S. version [5% acidity], not what you buy on Bonaire which others have reported as being much stronger). Understand the glycerine. What is the purpose of the tea tree oil?

We carry a small squeeze bottle (formerly from saline eye solution) and squirt it into our ears right after we take our gear off. Only downside after using our version is you smell like salad for a short while.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By a retired Grunt (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #817) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 8:35 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I use 1/3 distilled water, 1/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 white vinegar. We keep it in the truck and use it immediately after ending the dive. This year to the end of our three week trip the ear started acting up. That mix has always worked well before.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Angie Ohlson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #171) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 1:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Dr. Director,

I also had issues with water/fluid build up. I went to my local dive shop and they had them there to try on for correct size. I personally didnt like the feel of something in my ear - I have very small canals and having something in them is painful. I opted for a hood to keep water and bacteria out of them last 2 trips no infection and no water build up.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro-www.bonairebeachcondo.com (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2249) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 1:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

[What is the purpose of the tea tree oil? ]

Tea tree oil is a well known anti bacterial used to treat surface infections. Try googling it.Plus it has a nice pine scent. Yes, when I said vinegar, I meant the US version @ 5%. From what I understand, vinegar kills fungus, alcohol kills bacteria but can remove ear wax which is why I added the tea tree oil, and dilute the alcohol.

Ear wax protects the outer ear canal. The glycerine helps to coat and protect the ear canal. The idea for the glycerine came after talking to the pharmacist at the Botika in town since that's what they use in their diver drops.
Works for me!! Put a few drops into each ear at night.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Jolly (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1423) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 1:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Has anyone tried the mask with ear cups attached by a tube to the mask for equalization. I know 2 divers that swear by this method.

I think it is called the Pro-Ear Mask and my dive center just sold the last one. I think originally it was an Oceanic product but not any more.

Try this site for info: http://en.istsports.com/product-19.aspx

And by the way I have no financial interest in this company or product.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bas Noij (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #406) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 2:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My personal recipe for 'ear juice' is similar to some of the above...but with one new ingredient. I got the recipe from a National Geographic underwater film crew in Malawi.

- 1/3 white vinegar
- 1/3 diluted alcohol (diluted to 50%)
- 1/3 cold tea (ordinary black tea)

I have tweaked the recipe a bit with a few drops of tea tree oil. Both for the nice scent and for the antibacterial properties.

I used to have continuous outer ear infections until I started using 'the juice'. I now rinse my ears with it after every dive (I use a small syringe) and have never had a problem since except for when I forget the drops for more than 2 days.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1136) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 2:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'd like to give the Pro Plugs a try. Does anyone know of a shop on Bonaire that sells them?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail T.*********** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4085) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 2:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We use a concoction my Dr suggested. Equal parts alcohol, peroxide, white vinegar, and water. Alcohol for drying out, peroxide for any infection, vinegar for alkalinity, and the water merely to dilute it. We call it ear salad because it smells so good!

Where can you buy the ear plugs? Dive shops or drug stores?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aqua Paul (BonaireTalker - Post #49) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 3:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The drug store in town on Bonaire sells divers ear drops for 5 guilders. It lasts for a week of hard core diving. Comes in a bottle with a squeeze type dropper. Not sure what is in it but I am sure there is at least some vinegar. The stuff works wonders, have not had any trouble since.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dr. Director (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #509) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 3:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Re Doc's ProPlugs, I just purchased a pair at my local dive shop (LDS). They have the "fit kit" to determine the right size, and were just over $12 for the pair, including sales tax. Doc's ProPlugs website (www.proplugs.com) has a link where you can request a list of dealers (dive shops) that carry them. Alternative is to buy them via Doc's website, but they require first-time buyers to buy a kit containing different sizes and then you can buy the specific size you need in the future. This is a much more expensive option than buying them at your LDS.

Not sure who might have them on Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #623) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 5:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As of last fall, there was one shop on Bonaire that I know of that carried ProPlugs. I forget the name, but if you are walking south on the main street through town, past Mona Lisa on your RIGHT, it was the very last dive shop (or dive store I guess would be more appropriate) down on the left hand side, the place that also sells Teva sandals, Tshirts, and dive equipment. Almost at the end of town.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1965) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 5:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Buddydive main shop handles Pro-plugs. I didn't look at them much as I carry 3 sets on vacation... Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R J (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #141) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 8:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I purchased my set of pro plugs at Toucan Diving last year. They had the fitting kit and each size plugs.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1138) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 8:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Outstanding. Thanks.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lori Mulhisen (BonaireTalker - Post #32) on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 11:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Here is a link where you can print out the sizing guide for Doc's Pro Plugs: http://store.magicseaweed.com/image/proPlug.pdf. You can order them directly from the manufacturer online at: http://www.proplugs.com/

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Maryanne Lysett (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Sunday, June 28, 2009 - 10:24 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Since reading this thread, I've purchased Doc's ProPlugs and made several dives with them in a VERY cold quarry in TN. No more water sloshing in my ear, and no more vertigo...I love them! One tip re lanyard vs. no lanyard; my local dive shop only had the kind with the lanyard, but it is long enough to string thru my mask strap cover. That secures the lanyard, keeping it from getting hung up on gear, and also ensures that I don't drop or lose the plugs.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By a retired Grunt (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #825) on Sunday, June 28, 2009 - 11:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I bought a set and have been using them in my pool. So far they work extremely well.

 


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