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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 |
