It’s that time of year when everyone is hitting the beach, pool, or any place to stay cool and beat the summer heat. As an ENT office, we see an increase in patients who are suffering from swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a condition where water becomes trapped in the ear canal causing infection, inflammation, and pain. This condition is common among swimmers, hence the term “swimmer’s ear”.
How to prevent Swimmer’s ear?
It is important to keep the ear dry, thus after swimming or bathing we recommend the following:
- Dry your ears by wiping the outer portion gently with a lint-free soft cloth or tissue.
- Tip your head to the side to help water drain from the ear canal.
- Keep your ears dry with earplugs
- Use doctor-prescribed ear drying drops
It’s also best to avoid placing objects in the ear that could scratch the skin of the ear canal such as cotton swabs.
How is Swimmer’s ear diagnosed?
If you have developed ear pain following exposure to water, it is best to be evaluated by an ear specialist. An otolaryngologist can help diagnose and treat patients with swimmer’s ear. Recommended treatments often include:
- In-office cleaning
- Antibiotics
- Avoid water exposure
- Apply a warm compress to the affected ear
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
The providers at Michigan ENT and Allergy have advanced equipment and technology that allows them to diagnose and treat disorders of the ear.