Spending days at the lake or pool is a great way to bask in the summer sun without worrying about baking in the heat. Before splashing around in the water, take some time to learn about swimmer’s ear and how you can protect against it for better ear health this summer.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an ear canal infection that occurs when water gets trapped in the ear, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. This condition is termed “swimmer’s ear” because it frequently affects people who swim regularly, especially in waters with high bacterial content. Symptoms may include:
- Ear pain
- Itchiness in the ear
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Temporary hearing loss
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Sligh fever
- Redness and swelling in the outer ear
How Can Swimmer’s Ear Affect Hearing?
If left untreated, fluid blockage, swelling and inflammation can lead to conductive hearing loss. Though hearing loss can be concerning, it typically resolves once the infection is treated. Untreated swimmer’s ear can lead to serious complications, including long-term infection, deep tissue infection, damage to bone and cartilage or widespread infection. To avoid these complications, consult your Midwest ENT expert for diagnosis and treatment at the first sign of symptoms.
How Can You Protect Against Swimmer’s Ear?
The risk of swimmer’s ear shouldn’t keep you from enjoying poolside fun with your family. A few key ways you can help prevent swimmer’s ear include:
- Wear earplugs. Grab a pair of swimmer’s earplugs to keep out excess water during your next dip in the pool.
- Dry your ears. Drying your ears thoroughly after a swim can help prevent infection. Start by drying the outside with a soft, clean towel. If you feel water in your ears, tilt your head from side to side and gently pull your earlobe to help drain the liquid. Never use cotton swabs or other small objects to dry your ears.
By following these simple tips, swimmer’s ear doesn’t have to dampen your summer fun. Click here to read more about swimmer’s ear.