Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Preventing Swimmer's Ear

From the library of

Frank Barnhill M.D.

Most of us think of swimmer’s ear occurring during the summer months. After all, that’s when we tend to swim the most. Unfortunately, swimmer’s ear or otitis externa can occur any time of the year when moisture or contaminated water remains in the outer ear canal for long periods. It’s usually either fungi or bacteria in that moisture that causes inflammation of the ear canal and the associated swelling and pain. So, that means the problem is preventable in most cases.

Since otitis externa affects mostly the outer ear canal, you can do several things to help prevent the infection:

After taking a shower or bath be sure to dry your ears as much as possible with a dry clean towel or washcloth. Some moms I know use a twisted Kleenex to sponge out the left over water, some even blow-dry the canals with a hair dryer on low warm setting. You should avoid using cotton tipped swabs, as they tend to damage the canal and eardrum if used too aggressively. If the eardrum is accidentally ruptured, hearing loss may occur. And of course when an eardrum is ruptured, blood comes out and everyone will get upset.
Using earplugs has not worked well for most persons, even the expensive custom fitted types. No matter how hard you try with kids, water still seems to get into their ears. Some feel that earplugs present a hazard, as your child may not hear warnings of water danger due to decreased hearing. Others feel that earplugs lead you to falsely believe you don’t have to worry about infection and not clean ears properly.
When getting out of a pool or spa, it’s a good idea to thoroughly wash your ears with clean water. Since most of us take a shower after swimming, this should be no big deal. Just shower clean water into your ears and then dry them thoroughly. After swimming in a lake, pond, river or an ocean, this washing ritual is even more important due to likely water contaminants.
Placing rubbing alcohol in the ear can do more damage than good. Even peroxide can cause a problem, especially if there happens to be a hole or your child has myringotomy tubes.
Everyone seems to worry about wax in ears. Don’t, until the wax totally fills the ear canal or affects hearing. Wax is the body’s natural lubricant and anti bacterial, anti fungal stuff for the ear canal. When all of the wax is removed from an ear canal, it is actually more likely to get infected.
Keeping shower heads, spa and pool water clean and free of fungus will also help since any contaminant can get in the ears from these sources. Maintaining normal chlorine or Bacquacil levels in your pond will prevent overgrowth of bacteria and fungus. This can really help prevent a trip to your doctor.

If all else fails, the signs of a swimmers ear are pain on pulling the ear, drainage from the ear and swelling. Fever may or may not be present.

Hope this helps keep all the ears in your family well!

Dr. Frank

These health tips are offered for your common sense use and are not intended to take the place of a visit to your doctor. Your use of the materials implies your understanding that nothing herein contained represents individual medical advice.

drhuggiebear, drhuggiebear.com and contained materials are the copyrighted and/or registered properties of Frank Barnhill, M.D. and may not be reproduced for profit without the express written permission of the author. All materials may be photocopied in whole for educational use. For information please contact us at drfrank@drhuggiebear.com.