Enjoy Summer Safely: Tips to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy endless days of swimming. Wherever you choose to soak up the sun and enjoy the water, it’s important to be aware of swimmer’s ear and the steps you can take to protect against it.

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal. It occurs when water remains trapped in the ear, creating a moist environment that encourages bacterial growth. Anyone can get swimmer’s ear, but people who swim frequently, especially in high bacterial waters, are most likely to experience repeated cases.

If left untreated, swimmer’s ear can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, bone and cartilage damage, chronic infection, deep tissue infection or widespread infection. Given these potential complications, seeing an ENT specialist at the first sign of symptoms is crucial. A few symptoms to look out for include earache, drainage from the ear, muffled hearing and itchy ear.

How Is Swimmer’s Ear Identified?

Your ENT specialist will likely identify swimmer’s ear through a physical eardrum and ear canal exam. If the view to your eardrum is blocked, they will clear the obstruction using suction or scooping.

How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?

Your ENT provider can clean your outer ear canal and prescribe ear drops or medication to eliminate the infection. Medication or ear drops may include an acidic solution to restore the antibacterial environment in the ear, steroids to reduce inflammation, antifungals to fight fungal infections or antibiotics to fight bacteria. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended based on severity.

Can You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?

While you may not be able to avoid all cases of swimmer’s ear, you can help prevent it from interrupting your vacation fun by drying and protecting your ears after a day in the Fanny Chapman Memorial Pool.

Properly drying your ears helps prevent fluid buildup in the canal. Wear earplugs when swimming for extended periods and towel dry the outside of your ears after swimming. If there is water in your ears, tilt your head from side to side and gently pull your earlobe to help drain the liquid. If you still feel water in your ears, use a hair dryer on the lowest heat and fan settings held at least six inches from your ear. If you feel heat or pain, the dryer is too close.

If you are a regular swimmer, ask your ENT provider about using drying drops, swim in clean environments and regularly clean your hearing aids or earbuds to prevent infection.

By following these simple tips, you can prevent swimmer’s ear and enjoy your summer activities without worry. For more information about swimmer’s ear, contact today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.