Swimmers Ear: Symptoms and Treatment

Swimmers Ear

Don't let it put you off!

Swimmers ear, otherwise known as otitis externa, is given its name as it can sometimes be related to swimming and more specifically swimming underwater where water enters the external ear canal. It only takes a very small amount of water to enter the ear and the results will vary from person to person.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this type of ear problem can range from a partial hearing impairment due to the mild sounds of water in the ear. swimmers ear

In more serious cases the ear canal becomes infected and the symptoms are more painful. In these cases it is strongly advisable to seek medical attention from a doctor or similar medical practitioner.
Treatment

Water in the ear canal is usually only temporary as the water soon works its own way out of the ear canal.

If the problem persists and the water remains it can be treated with drops designed to dry out the ear. Swim Ear drops are widely available and have shown some success in treating the problem.

In cases where a person is more prone to ear infections or water entering the ear causes painful infections, then prevention is the best form of treatment. Ear plugs for swimming will prevent water from entering the ear completely and are the best method of preventing swimmers ear.

Water entering the ear has been associated with swimming, but it can of course occur in the shower or bath.

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