Swimmer’s ear is an inflammation, irritation or infection of the outer ear canal caused by water retention. The ear canal is a tube running from the ear’s opening to the eardrum. When you go for a swim at Torrance County Beach, water can become trapped in the ear canal, leading to bacterial growth.
A couple of common risk factors for developing swimmer’s ear include but are not limited to:
- Humidity
- Using small objects (i.e., cotton swabs, fingers, etc.) to scratch or clean ears
- Dry ear canal skin
- Injured ear canal
- Excess earwax
- Swimming in unclean water
- Improper hearing aid care
Many cases of swimmer’s ear present with a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the ear, muffled hearing and redness or inflammation. While many cases of swimmer’s ear will subside in seven to 10 days with proper treatment, complications or severe symptoms are possible
One way to protect against swimmer’s ear is to practice safe hearing aid care and wear. When you place hearing aids in the ear after swimming in a high-bacterial environment, you run the risk of trapping bacteria and moisture in the ear canal, leading to an increased risk of infection.
Luckily, you don’t need to stop enjoying the many benefits of hearing aids, such as improved communication and tinnitus management, to prevent swimmer’s ear. Let’s take a look at a couple of tips for preventing swimmer’s ear without discontinuing hearing aid use.
Clean Your Devices
Cleaning your devices regularly can help prevent excess bacterial contamination in the ear canal. Check your device manual for specific cleaning instructions and contact your hearing aid specialist with any questions regarding device care and cleaning.
Wear Earplugs When You’re Swimming
It is always wise to wear earplugs when swimming. Earplugs will help prevent bacteria and water from entering the ear canal, reducing the risk of swimmer’s ear.
Thoroughly Dry Your Ears After Swimming
After swimming, drain excess water from your ear canal by tilting your head to one side and then the other. Next, dry your outer ear with a clean, soft towel to remove all moisture without inserting anything into the ear canal. If you are prone to swimmer’s ear, dry the ear canal with a blow dryer on the lowest setting held at least a foot from the ear. Remember that the hair dryer air should never feel hot.
To prevent hearing aids from causing swimmer’s ear, make sure to wait until your ear canal and outer ear are fully dry before placing your devices back in.
For more information on protecting your ear health, contact Torrance Audiology today.