How to prevent and treat swimmers ear

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WRCB) - It's that time of year again when pediatricians see a spike in the number of ear infections. "Injury to the ear canal, swimming and putting things in your ear can scratch the outer ear canal here and cause some injury and swelling and infection," said Dr. Albert Richert, Jr. Unlike an infection of the middle ear, Richert says swimmers ear happens when bacteria grow in the ear canal. In that canal, there's delicate skin that is protected by a thin coating of earwax. "The earwax forms a barrier that can protect the skin," said Richert. "It helps keep the acidity at the right level in the ear, which helps prevent bacterial growth." Many people clean their ears each day with a cotton swab, but this is actually frowned upon because you're getting rid of the "good" earwax. "The old adage is to never place anything in your ear that's smaller than your elbow, which basically means don't put anything in your ear," said Richert. If you or your child will be beating the heat in the water this summer, you need to take some extra steps to ensure that your ears stay healthy. "One of the best ways is actually to use a hair dryer," said Richert. "To blow-dry your ear, you hold the hair dryer about 12 inches from your ear and blow warm air into your ear, and that dries your ear out." And like many professional swimmers, Richert says shaking your ears when you get out of the water also helps to keep them dry. Swimmers ear drops can also aid in prevention, but if you are already feeling pain, it's too late. "You can use swim ear drops to prevent the pain, but once the pain comes on, stop using those and you need to go see your doctor," said Richert. Antibiotic ear drops are prescribed to treat swimmers ear. Swimming caps can help with keeping water from entering the ear, but ear plugs are not recommended unless they are specially fit for the swimmer. If you have problems or questions see your local doctor or ear, nose and throat specialist.

 

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