Water-Related Ear Issues: The Unwanted Submersion of H2O in Your Auditory Canals
In the summer, many of us enjoy spending time by the pool or the sea. However, water in the ear can be a nuisance and potentially lead to infections. Here's a guide on how to deal with water in the ear after swimming or exposure to seawater.
To help the water drain out naturally, tilt your head to the side. Gently pull on the earlobe to open the ear canal for easier drainage. Dry the outer ear thoroughly with a soft towel, and you may use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting held at a safe distance to evaporate any remaining moisture.
However, it's essential to avoid inserting any objects like cotton swabs or fingers into the ear canal. This can cause irritation, injury, and increase the risk of infection. If the earwax is obstructing water drainage, you can use sterile ear drops to soften the wax, but avoid trying to forcibly remove it yourself.
If water remains trapped in your ear for more than a day with discomfort, or if you develop symptoms such as itching, pain, swelling, redness, or fluid discharge from the ear, persistent muffled hearing or hearing loss, signs of swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) including ear canal infection caused by bacteria or fungi from trapped water, or any other concerning symptoms, it's important to seek help from an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor. Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat infections and to prevent complications or hearing impairment.
Prevention tips include thoroughly drying ears after water exposure, avoiding over-cleaning (which removes protective earwax), and minimizing scratches inside the ear canal caused by cotton swabs or other objects that can predispose to infection. Practical earplugs that prevent water from entering the ear are advisable for protection.
Remember, the ears are a complex and sensitive structure, susceptible to external influences. If self-help measures do not help and the dull feeling in the ears persists for several days, it may be necessary to seek help from an ENT doctor.
Stay safe and healthy this summer!
- After indulging in fitness-and-exercise activities such as swimming or water sports, remember to follow a health-and-wellness routine for your ears, like tilting your head to drain water and drying the outer ear with a soft towel.
- Mental-health practices like mindfulness and stress management are important for our overall well-being, but don’t forget to care for your physical health too - take time to protect your ears from seawater and dampness to prevent potential ear infections.
- Extend your focus on skin-care routines to include your ears: keep them clean, promote the natural draining of water, and avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs to maintain mental health and maintain a healthy lifestyle this summer.
