swimmers ear
Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is common in people who spend a lot of time in the water. Water can sit in the ear canal and lead to irritation and infection of the outer ear.
Soaps, shampoos and chlorine from pool water might irritate the skin and also contribute to the loss of protective wax. Putting fingers, cotton buds or other objects in your ears also damages the thin layer of skin lining your ear canal.
What causes swimmer ear?
Swimmer's ear is an infection that's usually caused by bacteria commonly found in water and soil. Infections caused by a fungus or a virus are less common.
Your outer ear canals have natural defenses that help keep them clean and prevent infection. Protective features include:
Glands that secrete a waxy substance which forms a thin, water-repellent film on the skin inside your ear. Wax is also slightly acidic, which helps further discourage bacterial growth. In addition, wax collects dirt, dead skin cells and other debris and helps move these particles out of your ear. The waxy clump that results is the familiar earwax you find at the opening of your ear canal.
Downward slope of your ear canal from your middle ear to your outer ear, helping water drain out.
How does the infection occur?
If you have swimmer's ear, your natural defenses have been overwhelmed. Conditions that can weaken your ear's defenses and promote bacterial growth include:
Excess moisture in your ear. Heavy perspiration, prolonged humid weather or water that remains in your ear after swimming can create a favourable environment for bacteria.
Scratches or abrasions in your ear canal. Cleaning your ear with a cotton swab or hairpin, scratching inside your ear with a finger, or wearing headphones or hearing aids can cause small breaks in the skin that allow bacteria to grow.
Sensitivity reactions. Hair products or jewellery can cause allergies and skin conditions that promote infection.
Factors that may increase your risk of swimmer's ear include:
Swimming
Swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels, such as a lake rather than a well-maintained pool
A narrow ear canal more easily traps water
Aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or other objects
Use of certain devices, such as headphones or a hearing aid
Skin allergies or irritation from jewellery, hair spray or hair dyes
Follow these tips to avoid swimmer's ear:
Dry your ears thoroughly after exposure to water—wipe your outer ear with a soft towel or cloth. Tip your head to the side to help water drain from your ear canal. You can dry your ears with a hair dryer if you put it on the lowest setting and hold it at least a foot (about 30 cm) away from the ear.
Use earplugs. If you can keep water out of your ear canal, you're much less likely to have a problem. Choose earplugs that are designed for swimming. A bathing cap that covers your ears can help, too.
If you know you don't have a punctured eardrum, you can use Vosol Eardrops available from the pharmacy after swimming to dry the canal.
Avoid swimming in dirty or polluted water.
Avoid putting foreign objects in your ear which may cause injury to the skin.
Protect your ears from irritants. Put cotton balls in your ears while applying products such as hair sprays and hair dyes.
If you have had a recent infection it is very important to keep your ears dry by using a swimming cap or earplugs. After an infection the waterproof layer in your ear canal has been damaged and takes up to a month for this to recover. This makes you more susceptible to getting another infection in a short period of time.
REMEMBER
Use your eardrops as prescribed and if no improvement is noted in 48-72 hours, or if symptoms persist beyond two weeks, please consult your doctor or ear nurse as you may need to switch to a different medication.
Avoid submerging your head in water for 7 to 10 days, competitive swimmers might be able to return to the pool if pain has resolved and they use well-fitting ear plugs. It is preferred to keep your ears as dry as possible for at least 4 weeks.
Attending your follow up appointment is important to ensure your infection is completely resolved before getting back to swimming.
ASK your pool/hot tub operator if disinfectant and pH levels are checked at least twice per day — hot tubs and pools with proper disinfectant and pH levels are less likely to spread germs.
USE pool test strips to check the pool or hot tub yourself for adequate disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) levels.