Many of us should have come across this feeling in the ear. Something like a bubble in the ear, and you hear every sound as muffled. You may also have an itchy ear with pain and water coming out at times. This is commonly known as Swimmer’s ear, an outer ear canal infection. Though known as Swimmer’s ear, do not think the infection will attack only swimmers. It’s caused by the water in your ear after showering or by having a moist environment in the outer ear canal. When water enters the ear, it keeps the canal moist and becomes a breeding place for germs and bacteria.
Some amount of earwax is needed to protect the ear canal from dust and other harmful objects getting into the ear. When there is excess water, it removes the earwax, which becomes conducive for germs to grow. Self-removal of earwax is also bad for your ear. E.N.T. doctors warn that when cotton swabs are used to remove wax, it pushes the wax closer to the eardrum. They say that it can even affect hearing. If you think you have excess ear wax, talk to your physician and use the best method to remove it.
Use ear plugs and bathing caps to prevent water from entering the ears while swimming. using a towel to dry off your ears after swimming and bathing is considered good. And if you end up with water in your ears, try to get the water out to prevent Swimmer’s ear. Tilt your head or pull the earlobe in various directions. You also try a hair dryer. But keep it some inches away from the ear and run it on a slow setting.
Swimmer’s ear often affects children and young adults. It is treatable, and regular ear care can avert its occurrence. Do not go for self-treatment. Consult an E.N.T. physician. They will prescribe antibiotics and ear drops and remove any objects or pus from the ear. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection’s spread.
Keeping your ear dry for about 7 to 10 days is important for treating Swimmer’s ear. Avoid showers; instead, take baths. Stay away from swimming or playing water sports. You can use a warm compress on your ear if the pain worsens. But do not put anything other than the doctor-prescribed medicine in the ear. It takes about 7 to 10 days for the infection to go off with medication. But if the problem recurs or stays even after 10 days, consult the E.N.T. physician again.
To prevent the occurrence of Swimmer’s ear, avoid swimming in polluted water. Wear well-fitting earplugs or swim caps to cover the ears. Keep the ears dry as much as possible. Always dry the outer ear with cotton wool or a towel.
While using hair sprays or dyes, gently keep cotton balls in the ears. But ensure you are not pushing them too deep into the ear cana