[function_seven]

I used to use water all the time to slide earplugs in, and never had any issues with ear infections. But I always had a nagging voice inside my head telling me it wasn’t a good idea.

Did I get lucky? Or maybe I’m just less susceptible to infections? I always made sure the water was clean, but I suppose if there were bacteria on the outer surface of my ear, the water would carry it inward easier than a dry fitting would?

[m00x]

It's luck, and maybe genetic thing.

Water cleanliness doesn't guarantee anything, bacteria is everywhere. Some scuba divers with the same technique get infections often, some don't (with same techniques). I got an infection on my first dive, then nothing ever again. Some get them every 6-7 dives.

[avar]

> Water cleanliness doesn't matter, bacteria is everywhere[...]

It matters a lot, I've dived extensively, and the only time I've gotten an ear infection was in Indonesia, likely polluted runoff water contributed to that.

You'll find scientific articles backing that up, i.e. infections in general go up when swimming in untreated sewage/runoff, including ear infections.

[m00x]

I miswrote that. Water cleanliness matters, but it doesn't guarantee a lack of infection.

Sorry for the confusion.

[throwaway2037]

Where in Indonesia?

[swores]

Is it worse than having a bath where your ears go under water or a shower where water splashes into ears? Isn't that something many people do daily?

[ketzo]

After a bath or shower, your ears are open to the air, and the water can evaporate.

The earplugs keep the water sealed in your inner ear for a long time where it can't dry, increasing the chance of infection.

Some people do just get more frequent ear infections than others, though, from swimming or even just daily showers/baths. That gets back to the luck/genetics thing.

[sokoloff]

Diving has total saturation and additional pressure driving the water deeper than water splashed at 1 atmosphere of absolute pressure.

Combat (or riding or flying) has longer duration of dampness than getting out of a bath/shower and going about your normal routine.