Ear Infection
- Ear Infection Overview
- Ear Infection Symptoms
- Ear Infection Treatment
- When to Seek Medical Care
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Ear Infection Overview
Infection can affect the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum, or the middle ear (otitis media). Most ear injuries are caused by pressure changes during direct injury (such as a blow to the ear) or sport scuba diving, but, a persistently painful ear may signal an infection that requires treatment. Because an ear scope (otoscope) may not be available to examine the canal and inner ear in remote locations, starting therapy may be appropriate until a doctor can be reached.
Picture of the outer and inner structures of the ear
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Ear Infection
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tips »
Safe Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tips
Protect the Environment
- Do not touch wildlife. Avoiding wildlife is safer for you and better for the wildlife. Some marine animals have a protective coating that is rubbed off when touched, exposing them to parasites and infection. Touching or "playing" with them also stresses the animal.
- Coral are marine animals. Take care when snorkeling or scuba diving and avoid touching, grabbing, or accidentally grazing the coral with your fins. The portion of the coral that is touched will die.
- Do not take marine animals out of the ocean for any reason. This also stresses the animal.
- When taking pictures underwater, do not touch the animals. Do not lean or hold onto coral or other underwater structures while trying to "get a good picture." Remember, touching coral in any way damages it, and the portion damaged will die.
- Secure "dangling gea...
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Otitis Media »
Otitis media (OM) is the second most common disease of childhood, after upper respiratory infection (URI).
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