Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Preventing Swimmer's Ear



Preventing Swimmer's Ear


Reprinted by permission from American Swimming Magazine, published by ASCA


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You don’t have to be a swimmer to get swimmer’s ear. Athletes who frequently get water or perspiration in their ears are susceptible to the condition. Staying in a pool too long can reduce the acid level of the ear wax, which is there to help resist infections.


Swimmer’s ear (otitis extema) is actually one of several names that refer to an infection of the outer ear. It can be caused by a fungus, but is more commonly associated with bacteria that is brought into the ear with water. If the water then runs out, the ear and the bacteria dry up. But when some of the water remains trapped in the ear canal and the skin gets soggy, the bacteria are in a perfect environment to grow into a problem.



SYMPTOMS



The first symptoms are a feeling that the ear is blocked, muffled hearing, and an itch. Later, the canal can become swollen and painful, and a watery discharge accumulates in the area. If the ear gets to the point of being tender to the touch, it’s time to get to a doctor.



PREVENTION



There are several ways to prevent swimmer’s ear from ever occurring. Here is a summary of preventive methods:



Don’t swim in dirty water.

Wear earplugs while swimming.

After a swim, tilt and shake your head to allow the water to drain.

Dry your ears with a clean cloth after showering and with a hair dryer set at low speed, held about 12" from your ear.

Use one dropper of commercial eardrops, isopropyl alcohol, or white vinegar in your ear after swimming or showering. Wiggle your ear to let the solution get to the bottom, then let the fluid drain out. Drops should not be used by people with tubes in their ears or perforations in their eardrums.

Some experts suggest that you use a dropper of mineral oil, baby oil, or lanolin to create a protective coating before you exercise. Get advice from a physician or trainer before using this method.

If you wear a hearing aid, remove it frequently to allow your ear to dry.

Avoid excessive cleaning that removes all of the protective wax naturally present in the ear canal.