Warm weather is perfect for long days spent pool or beach-side, hiking, or playing your favorite sport. The warm weather however puts people at a higher risk of suffering from swimmer’s ear, which can cause temporary hearing loss and chronic ear infections if not treated properly. Contrary to its name, swimmer’s ear doesn’t just happen to someone who has been swimming, humid weather and sweating can also cause swimmer’s ear. Learning how to avoid swimmer’s ear can help keep you feeling your best, help you avoid any hearing loss, and ready for your best big adventure.
Here are 5 tips on how to avoid swimmer’s ear this summer:
- If you have gone swimming or have perspired heavily, be sure to dry your ears afterwards. You can use a clean towel to dry the outer parts of your ears.
- If you end up with water in your ears, lay with your ear down on a towel or pillow to for allow proper drainage. If you are worried that all of the moisture hasn’t left your ear, you can also use a blow dryer on the lowest setting, held at 1 foot away from your ear, to help dry up any remaining moisture.
- Use an over the counter swimmers ear product or a homemade product to aid the drying of your ear and to prevent growth of bacteria. A homemade solution is 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol. You will want a total of at least 2 teaspoons if you need to treat both of your ears. Once your solution is made, you pour no more than 1 teaspoon of the solution into each ear and then let it drain back out.
- Always look for signs that are posted in public swimming areas about any high bacteria counts in the water. Water with a high bacteria count can easily lead to swimmer’s ear and should be avoided at all costs.
- If you find yourself highly susceptible to swimmer’s ear, you can also invest in a shower cap to cover your ears while you take a shower. Wash your hair last so you can quickly get of the shower and dry off.
No one likes having swimmers ear and with the chance of having chronic ear infections that could lead to permanent hearing loss, learning how to avoid swimmer’s ear is key. These helpful tips on avoiding swimmer’s ear so help keep you in the clear during the warm months. However, if you find yourself worried about your hearing you can always contact us to speak with our experienced hearing care professional. We are happy to help walk you through a hearing exam to determine if your hearing is where it should be for your age.