There are few things more relaxing than a swim on a hot day. However, when you and your kids are splashing about this summer, keep an eye on what’s going on with your ears. If you experience ringing in the ear after swimming, then you may have swimmer’s ear.
With swimmer’s ear, ringing, muffled sounds, hearing loss, and pain can develop. If you come home from a day at the water park with swimmer's ear, don't expect it to go away on its own. Keep reading to learn what to do if you can’t hear after swimming.
If you can’t hear after swimming, it may be otitis externa (more commonly known as swimmer's ear), an illness that affects the outer ear or ear canal. The outer ear canal connects the eardrum to the entrance of the ear. Note: swimmer's ear is distinct from the typical childhood infection of the middle ear, known as otitis media.
Swimmer's ear is seldom dangerous, although it can become dangerous if the infection spreads. It is usually caused by water in the ear after swimming, but it can also be caused by hearing aids, cotton swabs, certain skin disorders, or anything that affects the ear canal's skin. The moist environment created by water encourages germs to proliferate and infect the ear canal. Bacteria most commonly cause swimmer's ear, but fungi can also be the cause.
Generally, swimmer’s ear is not contagious, as most ear infections are not typically spread from person to person. Bacterial and viral infections that cause ear infections, on the other hand, can be passed from one person to the next. Ear infections can be grouped into three categories:
Swimmer’s ear in children and adults is generally treated with antibiotic ear drops for 7 to 10 days. To help avoid another infection from happening, your doctor may prescribe acetic acid ear drops. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also be used to alleviate discomfort. You may need to take antibiotics by mouth if the infection has progressed beyond the outer ear.
Additionally, your doctor will need to check your swimmer’s ear (otoscopes are typically used to look inside your ear). During this visit, they’ll gently wipe out any muck clogging your ear canal (such as fluid, dead skin, and additional wax) before using swimmer's ear treatments. They may use hydrogen peroxide, a suction device, or an ear curette to remove the earwax.
Your doctor will also examine your eardrum to ensure that it is in good working order. Regular swimmer's ear treatments may not work if it's perforated and you may need to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for therapy, especially if you’re suffering from swimmer's ear hearing loss.
You'll almost certainly leave your doctor's office with a prescription for ear drops. These drops may have the following effects, depending on your situation:
To put the eardrops in, follow the directions on the bottle. In most cases, it will look like this:
You might find it easier to have a family member place the drops for you. It will generally take approximately a week for symptoms to disappear after you begin therapy.
Pain can be relieved with over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. If these aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever. Use the eardrops for as long as the bottle specifies. It usually takes 7 to 14 days. You may feel better after just a few days, but don't give up too soon. If you do, the illness may return.
Keep your ears dry at all times. When showering, carefully insert cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly into your ears to keep water out of your ears. Also, don't swim until your doctor says it's okay, which will most likely be 7 to 10 days.
Swimmer's ear is curable, and proper ear hygiene can help avoid it. Here are some facts you should know when fighting swimmer's ear.
Despite what the name suggests, swimmer's ear is caused by germs, not by water. Excess water in the ear keeps it wet, making it the ideal environment for germs and bacteria to thrive.
Extra water in the ear can also clear out earwax, making the ear an excellent environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive. While earwax may seem unappealing, a certain amount of it is beneficial and protects you by preventing dust or other hazardous items from entering your ear.
First, avoid swimming with swimmer’s ear. If you do need to submerge underwater, wear earplugs, a bathing hat, or a wetsuit hood to keep water out of your ears. As soon as you've finished swimming or bathing, dry your ears with a towel.
If you get water in your ears, getting it out can help you avoid swimmer's ear. Tilt your head or tug your earlobe in different directions to see what happens. If it doesn't work, try holding a hairdryer several inches from your ear on a low setting until it feels dry.
The first step you should take if you can’t hear after swimming is to schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible so they can check you with an otoscope. Swimmer’s ear may require the removal of pus or discharge and a thorough check to ensure the infection isn't coming from somewhere else or creating another issue. They may need to clean up the ear canal to reach the infection spot for the antibiotic drops. As soon as you suspect swimmer's ear, consult your doctor so that you may begin treatment straight away to prevent the infection from spreading.
If your symptoms do not improve after seven days or if you develop new ones, such as a fever, discomfort, or redness around your ear, get in touch with a hearing professional. EarPros believes everyone should have access to a licensed professional and offers free consultations. Our network of specialists can help you find the solutions you need, including helping you find the best hearing aids for your journey to better hearing. Contact us today!
