HELPFUL (extreme) TIPS (posted) for keeping water out of ear during shower:

[Guest guest]

Maybe this will help SOMEBODY!I have LONG, THICK HAIR - waist length.I've had 3 ear surgeries (1998, 2000); and finally October 2011. I've had 2 MAJOR cholesteatomas removed (among other work done).My PAIN-IN-THE-BUTT dilemma has been 'the hair'; and the washing of it.Here are my tips, they seem to be working (by the way, I've had the expensive custom plugs made, although that was 1999 and they may be improved, they never kept water out of my ear; I've also used the Mack soft wax, also did not work):1) No need to really wash everyday (that would really drive me insane!). Washing, drying and straightening takes me up to an hour. 2X a week works fine. Buy a dry shampoo if you need to.2) I ACTUALLY find; and agree w/most of the docs (after all these years), that the cotton & Vaseline DOES work great!3) After I put the cotton/Vaseline in ear, I use LITTLE TINY SHOWER CAPS MADE FOR THE EAR, they sell these online at Amazon. I got mine at a local 'Sally Beauty Supply'. They are under $4 for 24. They do fit fairly well; but what I do is twist them at the base, after I apply them; and then use tape to secure the sides/bottom - this way if water were to get nearby, it should run-off.4) PURCHASE a FOG FREE SHOWER MIRROR!!! It is great, it allows me to see what I am doing as I was, where the water is going; and esp. whether or not I am too close to the ear. KEEP A DRY TOWEL HANDY just in case.5) Yesterday I also bought a 'HAIR FUNNEL', I first saw this at the Sally Beauty Supply; but I purchased it online at Amazon. I think it will be a 3rd layer in keeping any water from running into that ear. You velcro it to secure it, it places a plastic halo-style barrier above your ears, around your hairline and under your hair at the nape-of-neck. It cost about $7, at most.6) PURCHASE a MACK EAR DRYER - my doc said okay to use after next follow-up, this will be 6 week post-op. I will have this on hand just in case I feel water has gotten into my ear! I also bought this on Amazon (dangerous for me to shop that site!); but I think they sell them at Target, or Walmart. I believe it was about $40, not sure. WELL WORTH IT I would think!Okay, well this may sound extreme to some; but I've had problems for 13 years and WAS NOT EXPECTING, NOR HAPPY that I had a 3rd surgery (2nd cholesteatoma) just recently - ALL THIS IS DUE TO THAT DARNED WATER GETTING INTO MY EAR!!! So, NOW, I'm armed! Remember, if it sounds extreme, I DO HAVE super long hair (which I am not getting rid of!). In the long run, I think this will resolve some, or most, of my problems - PRAYING!Hope this helps someone out there.Shari