Are you planning on spending time in the pool this summer? If so, make sure that you take precautions against getting the swimmer’s ear. Earaches from the pool can be uncomfortably unpleasant and can last for long periods at a time. Earaches most commonly result from a biological factor that quite simply things grow well in a warm moist area.
The inner ear canal is full of moisture, especially during the hot summer months from swimming in the pool. If it isn’t dried out well, the moisture remains and bacteria and fungus can find a place to live. And although it is children that are commonly getting ear infections during the swimming season, adults are actually more susceptible to infection.
Adults have a narrower ear canal making it easier for moisture to stay put once it gets in. There is however some things you can do to help prevent such things from happening. Here are some suggestions on how to avoid earaches when you spend time in the pool this summer.
If you’ve been swimming all day long and are ready to call it a night make sure you clean your ears out thoroughly. Towelling off isn’t enough when it comes to the swimmer’s ear. You might have to actually use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to get all the water and moisture out.
Using eardrops can also help dry out the ear canal. This can help if you have tubes in your ears or a hole in the eardrum. Ask your pharmacy for advice on the best ones for you. Eardrops can be very useful when it comes to managing earwax. There are plenty of ways to remove earwax with professional services, and it can relieve earaches caused by swimming in some cases, particularly if trapped water has caused existing wax to swell up and create pressure, but if you experience significant pain or have a severe blockage, professional support such as microsuction can make a big difference.
Try using some earplugs to put into your ears before entering the swimming pool. They may feel uncomfortable at first but once you have them in for a bit you will get used to them. Earplugs are especially important for those that have had a history of ear infections, perforated eardrums, or tubes in their ears. Adults can use them easily but they can sometimes be tricky with small children as they don’t like to have things in their ears.
Try wearing a swim hat that covers your ears, this could be an easier option for children instead of earplugs.
Don’t ever insert a foreign object into your ears to try and get rid of the water and moisture. You can actually make it worse and cause more of an infection if you put something else in your ear.
While understanding how to avoid earaches from spending time in the pool this summer, it may still happen so it’s important to know what the symptoms are. Here are some possible symptoms of swimmer’s ear.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear
- Drainage from inside of the ear
- Fever
- A decrease in hearing
- A feeling that the ear is blocked or full
- The outer ear may appear to be pushing away from the skull
- Pain may be felt in your face, neck, or the side of your head
- Swollen lymph nodes
Of course, the best way on how to avoid earaches when you spend time in the pool this summer is to take preventative measures and hope for the best.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can talk to your GP or pharmacist
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