How can I protect my ears from infections while swimming?
January 13, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Weinert
Dear doctor,
my name is Xenia Peters and I have a question about protecting my ears from infections while swimming. In recent weeks, I have noticed an increase in problems with my ears after swimming in the outdoor pool or in the lake. After swimming, my ears often feel blocked and I feel like my hearing is affected. Additionally, I have been experiencing more ear pain and a slight pressure in my ears lately.
I am worried that I may have contracted an infection and I am wondering how I can effectively protect my ears from such infections. I have already tried drying my ears with a towel after swimming, but it seems that is not enough to prevent infections.
What measures can I take to better protect my ears from infections while swimming? Are there special ear plugs or other aids that could help me? Should I clean my ears with special drops after swimming, or are there other preventive measures I can take?
I would be very grateful for any advice you could give me on how to protect my ears from infections while swimming. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Xenia Peters
Dear Xenia Peters,
Thank you for your question regarding protecting your ears from infections while swimming. It is important that you take care of your ears to avoid infections and other issues. I understand that you may be concerned, especially if you are already experiencing symptoms such as blocked ears, hearing loss, ear pain, and pressure sensations.
One of the most common causes of swimming-related infections is water entering the ear. This can lead to a condition known as "swimmer's ear," an infection of the outer ear canal. To effectively protect your ears, there are various measures you can take.
First and foremost, it is important that you thoroughly dry your ears after swimming. Patting them with a towel is a good start, but there are also special ear plugs that can prevent water from entering the ear. These ear plugs are available in various designs, from simple silicone plugs to specially shaped plugs for swimmers. I recommend seeking advice at a specialty store to find the right ear plugs for your needs.
In addition to ear plugs, you can also use special ear drops after swimming to clean your ears and prevent possible infections. These drops are available at pharmacies and can help remove excess water and dirt from the ear canal. However, it is important that you apply the drops correctly and do not cause any injuries to the ear canal.
Other preventive measures you can take include wearing a swim cap while swimming to minimize water entering the ear, and avoiding excessive swimming in polluted waters to prevent infections.
I hope these tips help you better protect your ears and avoid future infections. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me again with any further questions. Thank you for your inquiry and all the best for your ear health.
Sincerely,
Roberta Weinert
