We see water-related ear problems every year, most of which are entirely unavoidable and random. It can be confusing for a patient trying to decide whether an ear needs to be seen and how quickly that is necessary.

No one wants their time in the water to result in an uncomfortable condition like swimmer’s ear, so we’ve provided some useful tips to help you avoid this common ear infection.

Swimmer’s ear (also called acute otitis externa) occurs any time water stays in your ear canal for a long time, setting the stage for bacteria and germs to infect the delicate skin of your ear. It is essentially a localized infection in and on the skin of the ear canal, and it can involve bacteria or fungi.

While swimmer’s ear can occur any time of the year—and by activities other than swimming—it’s often more common in the summer, when you and your children spend more time in the shower, pool, or lakes.

The most common causes of swimmer’s ear are germs that may be frequently found in water parks and pools.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWIMMER’S EAR?

• Itching that comes from inside the ear
• A “blocked” or “full” feeling, caused by fluid in the ear
• Ear drainage
• Fever
• Difficulty hearing
• Red and swollen skin near the ear

Swimmer’s ear can also present more serious symptoms as it progresses, such as:

• Pus discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Complete blockage of the ear canal
• Intense pain in your face, neck, and head

If you suspect you have swimmer’s ear, it’s very important to get treatment from the physician. Delaying treatment can lead to a more serious ear infection or even hearing loss.

7 USEFUL TIPS FOR PREVENTING SWIMMER’S EAR

There are several different ways you can help prevent swimmer’s ear:

• When swimming, keep your ears as dry as possible.
• Use a swim cap or ear plugs.
• Make sure to dry your ears thoroughly after swimming.
• Remember to use a towel and tilt your head with the ear facing down to allow gravity to help water leave your ear canal. You can also gently pull your earlobe in different directions to encourage drainage.
• Don’t swim in polluted water. If you use a pool or hot tub, be sure that the facility regularly disinfects it and checks the pH levels.
• Protect your earwax. It not only protects your ear canal from infection, but it helps keep water out of your ear. There’s no need to clean ear wax out of your ear—in fact, it normally moves through the ear on its own.
• Don’t put objects in your ear canal. Objects such as cotton swabs, fingers, or even pencils can scratch or irritate the skin of your ear. This irritation can provide an opening for bacteria.

If you have any ear drainage, please see an ENT specialist before using any over-the-counter remedies.

EARWAX gets a bad rap!

It’s not the most beautiful feature of your ears, but it enables them to hear beautiful music.

Earwax (its medical term is CERUMEN) has an important job. It’s responsible for cleaning, protecting, and lubricating the ears. Its antibacterial properties enable earwax to serve as a self-cleaning agent. You may be surprised to learn that normally, ear canals shouldn’t be cleaned at all.

WHEN DOES EARWAX NEED TO BE REMOVED?

Sometimes—whether due to cotton applicators or other devices—earwax becomes impacted. Some people may even produce an over-abundance of earwax.

Symptoms of action include:

• Earaches
• Ringing in the ears (called tinnitus)
• Coughing
• Feeling that the ear is full or plugged
• Itching
• Hearing loss
• Ear discharge

HOW TO PROPERLY REMOVE EAR WAX

Cleaning your ears is simple. Wash the outside of the ear with a soft cloth, but do not place anything inside the ear canal. Home treatments may also help, such as over-the-counter ear drops or mineral oil. The ear may be irrigated by using a saline solution (remember to warm this to body temperature or you’ll get dizzy.)

The most effective way to remove impacted earwax is to schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor. These physicians can vacuum or remove the earwax using microscopic visualization. Another reason an ENT doctor is a good choice is that he or she may be able to determine if there are any problems with the structures of the ear and schedule follow-up appointments if necessary.

Otitis Media, Also Known as a Middle Ear Infection

Middle ear infections can be painful for both children and adults. If not treated successfully, these persistent problems can cause permanent hearing damage.

Otitis media (ear infections) are very common in children. 3 out of 4 children will have an ear infection by the time they are three years old.

Because antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming more prevalent, antibiotics are not always successful when treating ear infections. Antibiotics are not necessary. In fact, in some cases, these ear infections will go away on their own.

However, when you or your child experience chronic ear infections, ear tube placement may be a good option.

OTITIS MEDIA IN CHILDREN

Did you know that otitis media is the most common pediatric illness treated by ENTs?

While many children recover with no complications, otitis media can cause permanent hearing loss if it is left untreated. Hearing loss hinders learning ability and can even impede speech development. The severe pain associated with ear infections causes children—and their parents—distress.

Thankfully, timely and effective treatment can stop the pain and almost always restores hearing.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR CHILD HAS AN EAR INFECTION?

Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, occurring even in infants. Often, children, this young aren’t able to communicate what is causing them pain. So how can you tell if your baby or young child has an ear infection? Look for these signs:

• Pulling at ears
• Excessive crying
• Fluid draining from ears
• Problems with hearing
• Irritability, especially with infants and toddlers
• Difficulty balancing
• Sleep disturbances
• Fever
• Headache

Chronic ear infections are one of the most common conditions affecting children. Not only are they painful, but they can also cause long-term hearing damage. It’s always best to speak with one of our ear, nose, and throat physicians in downtown hospital who specializes in treating children.

Discover why we are the pioneer in treating ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) diseases in Guwahati.

Your hearing is a precious gift. Often, ear injuries or chronic infections can place your hearing in jeopardy, which is why you or your child need to seek treatment from one of our experienced physicians who are leaders in their field.

For decades, we’ve offered the highest quality care for adults and children.

Contact us for an appointment today.