How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear: Tips for Water Enthusiasts

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, and unfortunately, it can be quite easy to contract. Most often, it can lead to itching, redness, pus-like discharge and feelings of pressure in the ear. If not treated appropriately, swimmer’s ear can cause temporary hearing loss depending on the severity of the infection itself.

But why is it so easy to contract? Swimmer’s ear, aptly named because of its tendency to develop in ear canals that are regularly wet, grows because of excessive moisture in the outer ear canal.

Does Swimmer’s Ear Only Affect Swimmers?

Swimmer’s ear can affect anyone who regularly encounters blocked or full and wet ear canals. For example, you may not swim regularly, but if you use earplugs to sleep at night, wear in-ear headphones as you exercise and sweat, you may notice that you’ve developed an infection. While swimmer’s ear can be easy to contract, it’s also easy to prevent. This way, you won’t have to undergo recuperative treatment.

Avoid the Tendency to Insert Objects in Your Ears

It’s not uncommon for some people to use memory foam earplugs or in-ear headphones. However, especially in summer when perspiration is rife, it can be helpful to switch to alternate methods. Over-ear cup headphones or cushioned earmuffs can be good alternatives at this time. Also, never insert cotton swabs into your ear canal while cleaning, as this can sometimes contribute and push earwax further into your ear.

Focus on Your Ear Hygiene

You should clean your ears regularly but should be careful about how you do it. Cotton swaps around the surface of the ear can help, as can lightly washing them in the shower. Be careful about inserting anything into your ear canal, instead use non-toxic soaps and remove excess wax if you have any.

Dry Your Ears Properly

After wetting them, make sure to dry your ears properly. This may mean dabbing your ears gently with a dry, clean towel or even using a hairdryer to gently dry out your ear canal. Make sure to use a lower power setting so you don’t accidentally blow back the moisture into your ear canal.

Maintain Your Ear’s Natural Potential of Hydrogen (pH) Level

A good method is often to mix vinegar and water solutions at a one-to-one rate. Then you can use small droplets into your ear canal, and then turn your head to let the water drip out. This helps you maintain a natural pH level within your ear canal that should prevent growth. If you’re particularly prone to swimmer’s ear, this can be a fantastic preventive measure to deny the right environment for bacteria to grow.

I Believe I have Swimmer’s Ear Already – What Should I Do?

Don’t worry, this condition is inherently treatable and a helpful lesson to be mindful of your ear canal in the future. This condition is common, so you’re not the only one seeking treatment for it. Talk with your ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor about what you can do to prevent swimmer’s ear from reoccurring.

Immediately Cease All Contributing Factors

If you regularly go swimming, stop until this issue is resolved. Stop wearing any earplugs or in-ear headphones until the problem is resolved. This can help you avoid making the infection worse. Try to avoid close proximity with others until you’ve resolved the issue.

Consult an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor

Even if the swimmer’s ear doesn’t feel like a particularly severe case, it’s important to ask for a professional’s experience. An ENT doctor can help provide you with specific instructions to treat this infection. In many cases, this will involve a course of prescribed eardrops that can nullify bacterial growth, lessen inflammation and promote healing. They may also recommend specific treatments depending on your infection.

Use Pain Relievers and Warm Compresses if Needed

An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen can help you reduce some of the pain from inflammation. Using a warm compress to soothe the swelling can also help. Thankfully, although swimmer’s ear can take you by surprise and indicates an issue with ear canal hygiene, in most cases, it can clear up within the span of a week if given the right treatment.

Contact Mountain Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today!

At Mountain Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, we’re familiar with and can assist with all manner of ENT conditions. No matter how large or small the issue, our ENT doctors will provide their expertise and help determine the best cause of treatment. Call us today at Sylva: 828-586-7474, Franklin: 828-524-5599, Murphy: 828-835-1014 and Asheville: 828-458-8100. We look forward to speaking with you!