NEDIVER

I have had multiple ear infections in my life time (used to be prone) and you just need to account for inflammation and congestion (fluid in the canals). For fastest recovery be sure to be on Antibiotics as well as a steroid anti-inflammatory.

Rate of recovery and fluid viscosity is a personal matter and there can be no time line given (hence, why the Dr. says "he doesn't know"). Try to say off of any decongestant up to the time of dive. This will allow for the most fluid movement within the inner-ear. The day of dive I may want to consider a decongestant.

The real test is if you are able to "pop" your ears on the surface without problems or pain. If this is the case, I would most likely splash for a big trip I had planned. Any residual infection may flair up a week or so after due to bacteria in the water. However your antibiotics should still be working. If I had problems "popping" before a dive, I would abort.

*The above is personal experience, I am not a Doctor and am not recommending medical advice to another*

__________________
-Tom-

"slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" TM
"Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again, expecting different results" Albert Einstein