In the summer months, the heat tempts many of us to take a refreshing dip. But when we're swimming, water enters the outer ear canal and can stay there. It forms a little pool that's a perfect environment for the growth of bacteria, causing the ear to become infected.
The result of this prolonged exposure to moisture can be otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear.
Anyone can get swimmer’s ear, but it's especially common in children. It can’t be spread from person to person, and while this condition is often painful, it's treatable. Here are tips for avoiding swimmer's ear this summer and managing any symptoms.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
The term “swimmer’s ear” is slightly misleading because you don't even have to be swimming to develop this infection. Swimmer's ear can also develop from just showering or bathing. Follow these precautions to avoid the breeding grounds for an infection:
- Keep the ears as dry as possible. You can use a showering cap, earplugs, or for the frequent swimmer, custom-made swim molds.
- Thoroughly dry your ears with a towel. Gently dry the outer part of the ear. Don’t force the towel into your ear canal, as this can damage your eardrum.
- Tilt your head to the left or right, depending on the side, so that your ear is pointing downwards. Tug on your earlobe while you are doing this to encourage drainage. Gravity will help deplete your ears of any water.
- If you still have some water trapped in your ear, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest setting. Hold the hairdryer away from your ear, a little less than half a meter away, and wait about three minutes.
Symptoms
If you develop swimmer’s ear (despite being so cautious), you might show these symptoms:
- Your ear is painful upon touching, pressing, or tugging.
- Your ear canal feels itchy.
- Liquid drains out of your ear.
- Your ear is red and/or swollen.
Managing the Condition
If you show any or all of the above symptoms, contact your medical provider or us here at South West Hearing Care, for the best practices to follow. After listening to your description, your specialist might want to test the liquid in your ear. This is not always necessary, and your Doctor might treat your condition with antibiotic ear drops. These will reduce any inflammation and prevent bacteria from continuing in their development.
Your symptoms should be resolved within a few days. Don't try to relieve pain or itchiness by inserting objects in your ear like cotton buds, for example, as they might make things worse. You may need to book a follow-up appointment to ensure that the treatment is complete.
If you would like further advice on your hearing please get in touch with Simon and the team today Providing hearing services in the South Somerset area.
