Enjoying time by the water is essential to a perfect summer, but did you know neglecting water in your ears could lead to serious consequences? Many are unaware of the seriousness of otitis externa, more commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear, and its potential long-lasting effects on hearing. Here at St. John’s Hearing Institute, we want to make sure all pool and beach goers understand what Swimmer’s Ear is and ways to prevent it from happening.
What is “Swimmer’s Ear”?
Swimmer’s Ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that is caused by a growth of bacteria or fungi that thrive in moist environments. Swimmer’s Ear gained its unique name due to its prevalence amongst swimmers who are frequently exposed to water, making it particularly easy to develop the infection. However, it is also commonly diagnosed in non-swimmers during the summertime due to the significant increase in people swimming in large bodies of water.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear are easy to detect, including ear pain, itching, redness inside the ear, and ear discharge. These symptoms can vary in severity, from minute discomfort to immense pain. Although Swimmer’s Ear is usually self-diagnosable, it is highly encouraged that one seeks medical attention if they suspect they have Swimmer’s Ear.
Swimmer’s Ear and its Lasting Effects
While it may seem burdensome to seek a professional opinion, leaving Swimmer’s Ear untreated can have negative lasting effects on one’s hearing. Common complications from Swimmer’s Ear are cellulitis, abscess formation, and additional ear infections. Continuous battles with ear infections can lead to more serious hearing damage. The damage can potentially result in long-lasting hearing loss.
Untreated Swimmer’s Ear can lead to damage in the ear canal or bones of the ear, typically caused by swelling and inflammation. The swelling and inflammation can interfere with hearing by blocking sound waves from properly reaching the ear drum. Additionally, outer ear infections may occur due to neglecting treatment of Swimmer’s Ear, exacerbating an individual’s issues with hearing loss. While it is important to treat Swimmer’s Ear promptly if one were to get it, it is also essential to take necessary precautions to prevent the situation from occurring in the first place.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Thankfully, Swimmer’s Ear is easily avoidable if proper precautions are taken before swimming in a body of water. Here is a list of some steps you should take in order to protect your ear health:
- Use ear-plugs or a swim cap to prevent water from entering the ears while swimming.
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming and make sure they are completely dry to avoid any potential bacterial growth. This can be done by tilting the head to the side and gently pulling the ear lobe to drain the ear of any unwanted liquid.
- Avoid inserting anything into the ear, such as a towel or cotton swabs, to rid the ear of water. This can have the opposite desired effect and push water further inside the ear, leading to an infection.
- If you feel any sort of pain, have an itchy ear, or see discharge leaking after a day of swimming, make sure to seek medical attention to ensure a speedy recovery.
We Are Here to Help
Don’t be afraid to enjoy summer to the fullest! At St. John’s Hearing Institute, we are dedicated to teaching and helping patients navigate their ear health. We are here to provide educational resources that guide individuals towards optimal treatment. Book your first consultation today for expert insights and practical tips on summer ear protection.
