Hey,

I've kayaked for a long time and never had any ear issues. Right now I have a ton of pressure in my right ear. Usually I can hold my nose blow and it equalizes, no such luck. It's also sensitive when I press my finger to the ear. It feels like I have water deep inside and it won't come out!!! This is the second time this month i've dealt with this. It so uncomfortable that I have trouble sleeping. What's going on? Is it just water on the ear? What are the best ear plugs for kayaking???

Whad ya' say???
peace

That's an ear infection dude...probably caused from not getting the water out. The pain is from the swelling. The water is still there. Try making a small solution of about 90% rubbing alcohol and 10% vinegar...put a few drops in your ear to dry it out. Then go to the doctor and get some antibiotics. You'll want some medicine to kill the infection more quickly.

Doctor...

Does it feel like there is swelling in the inside of your ear, pushing your eardrum out? If so, you might have fluid trapped in your middle/inner ear. Watch out for this and get your doctor to address it when you go to see him/her. Antibiotics will kick whatever infection you have, but they won't necessarily help the fluid drain. That stuff is a prefect medium for bacteria, and its easy to catch another infection if you don't get rid of it. There are a bunch of allergy treatments (Flonase and other inhalled steriods) that can help "assist the drain".

Good luck and feel better,
-a

If you have been kayaking in cold water for some time, you may be developing overgrowth of the bone of the ear canal (exostosis). All people with regular submersion in cold water over the long-term should be aware of this. Of course, your problem could be something completely different.
Best place to get this checked out: House Ear Clinic in LA, world leaders in ear disease. 213-483-9930. (I am a physician who works with the otologists there.)

Disclaimer: This should not suffice as good-enough medical advice. Consult your physician.

Ear infection, I had the exact same symptoms you are describing. Now I use some ear canal dryer I bought at a store for swimmers. The above mentioned rubbing alcohol and vinegar works too. I have seen people use diffrent ratios like 1 part alcohol ,1 part vinegar, 1 part distilled water. And use it to rinse out the ears after all water activities Then I personally finish off with distilled water because I don't think it is good to leave rubbing alc. in the ear canal. THIS is no substitute for professional medical advice , I laid off the dairy products and that seemed to help a lot.