A Modified Prophylactic Regimen for the Prevention of Otitis Externa in Saturation Divers
Abstract
To prevent acute otitis externa (AOE) in the saturation setting and to decrease the side effects of the 2% acetic acid solution, a modification to the ear prophylactic regimen was implemented by the Diving Medical Officers (DMOs) of Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) in May of 2012. The modification consisted of the use of the Domboro solution once daily, following immersion or after daily hygiene requirements. A retrospective log review was performed over a one year period to determine if the use of Domboro solution one time daily in a saturation dive setting would be as effective with limited or no side effects as the use of Domboro two to three times daily as initially implemented by Dr. E. Thalmann (footnote1) and the U.S. Navy Dive Manual regimen (footnote2). In this research, a total number of four dives were completed with 48 ears being exposed to the modified regimen. The incidence was noted to be the same as Dr. Thalmann s results from a study in 1974, 0% of the divers developed AOE, but with fewer complaints of unwanted side effects. The results from the modified regimen yielded no complaints as compared to the 0.012% - 0.024% from the previous year s saturation dives. The success of the once daily use of Domboro is likely secondary to the strength of the solution, the success of the divers continuing to use the solution because it has reduced side effects, and the ability to better control the overall saturation chamber environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1001805
Entities
People
- Paul C. Algra
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit