Swimmer's Ear is A Summer Illness; Beware!

Summer vacations offer more than just relaxation. External ear canal infections can make life a living nightmare if you regularly swim in the sea or pool. This issue is primarily caused by earwax and pools with insufficient disinfection. Diabetes, hearing aids, and skin eczema all increase the risk of "Swimmer's Ear" disease.

In the summer, when pools and the sea are frequently used, and water sports are popular, external ear canal diseases can develop. Infections thrive in a moist environment in the external auditory canal when frequently exposed to water. People who have excessive secretions or skin rashes, particularly in the external auditory canal, are at risk of having moist ears. Attempting to clean the outer ear canal with fingers, towels, ear sticks, or pointed objects is another risk factor for infection.

Swimmer's Ear Is So-Called As It's Common in Swimmers.

Yeditepe University Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist stated, "External auditory canal infections are common in those who are interested in water sports and swimmers. Hence it is called "Swimmer's Ear". Many people contract this disease during the summer months when the pools and beaches are crowded. This is because ear secretion, also known as earwax, is dense, absorbing water like a sponge, trapping moisture in the external ear canal, and creating the conditions for infection to develop. Infection is also facilitated by overcrowded pools with insufficient disinfection. Swimmers ear is more likely in people who have diabetes, hearing aids, or eczema of the outer ear canal.''

Severe Pain Following an Itchy Ear

The external auditory canal infection begins with an itch in the ear and a feeling of fullness in the ear, followed by gradually intensifying pain. It is stated that ear pain can be felt by touching or lying on the auricle.

The ear then develops swelling or discharge. In this infection, which requires medical attention, earwax and inflammation residues in the outer ear canal are first removed. The infection is then treated with ear drops. In cases of severe swelling of the outer ear canal, a wick-shaped pad may be used to help the drops reach and absorb the outer ear canal. When the infection is severe, oral antibiotic treatment is initiated.

How to Protect Yourself?

As the season of protection from swimmer's ear disease approaches, it is recommended to remove the earwax that is dense in the external auditory canal before the holiday. This is performed without any pain using an aspirator or curette. It is critical to plan for pre-holiday treatment of patients with eczema, particularly in the external auditory canal. After coming into contact with water, avoid scratching, playing with, or traumatizing the ear with a finger or a towel.

Effect of White Vinegar

If the eardrum is normal, your doctor may advise you to use ear drops after swimming. This is accomplished with a few drops of alcohol or white vinegar. However, it is best to consult a doctor before using drops. After coming into contact with water, if you have the sensation that water is trapped in your ear or that the ear is still moist, tilt your head up and back and drip the drops by pulling your ear ladle up and back. After ensuring that the drops have entered the ear, it is recommended that the problematic ear be turned downwards to dry. If the external ear canal infection recurs frequently, a vaseline cotton or silicone plug must be used to protect the ear from water. People who have had an eardrum puncture, who have previously damaged or had ear surgery, or who have an ear infection must consult an otolaryngologist before swimming or using ear drops.