sugar free gum may help your ears!

[Dive Bunnie]

I heard a new one today which I thought I would share with you all.

The dreaded swimmers ear, bane of all divers… well, we may have found something that helps… other than chucking drops down your lug hole… good news eh!

Apparently chewing sugarfree gum may have a positive effect. Not only does the chewing action help clear your tubes of any lurking droplets or gunk, but it is believed that there is an ingredient in the gum that helps to prevent the problem in the first place.

And added to that, it helps keep your teeth clean!! Not bad eh.

[Dive Bunnie]

It works!!! I managed to allay a sinus attack with a combination of chewing gum and Clarinase.

Am not sure if the latter is available over the counter in the UK, however it was prescribed for a sinus infection in Sharm earlier in the summer. Currently that and Afrin are the only two decongestants that diving doctors suggest using whilst diving.

As you all know, previously diving whilst using decongestants has always been a big no no. However with the new generation, 12 hour long acting drugs, this has changed somewhat. Whilst using any medication whilst diving needs to be approved by your diving doctor, it is comforting to know that there is now an option other than staying out of the water completely. Of course I cannot stress enough that this needs to be done under guidance from your doctor!