Question:
If you are prone to swimmers ear as an adult, do you have any tips on how to help avoid it?
Answer:
Acute otitis externa, commonly described as “swimmer’s ear,” occurs when the tissues of the outer ear (external auditory canal) become inflamed. It is frequently very painful. Movement of the outer ear (pinna) usually causes the pain to be much worse. Typically, a topical antibiotic ear drop prescription is required to overcome the infection. Seek medical care if it lasts more than a few days, especially if it has not resolved with ear drops, or if you are immune compromised, diabetic, have fevers or chills or your symptoms worsen.
The best way to treat it is actually through prevention! Proper ear care is the key. Believe it or not, the biggest key is to avoid Q-tips, your finger, or anything else to clean your ears. The natural wax coating in the ear is a barrier to infection and when we “clean” our ears, we are wiping that barrier away and making the situation worse. These methods of “cleaning” also pack any cerumen (wax) far down into the canal, where it traps the water when we swim and causes painful infections.
So, this winter, while you are away from the water, break your Q-tip and finger-scratching habits and let your ears take care of themselves. Make an appointment with your doctor to have your ears examined and cleaned of any cerumen impactions. If they itch, the biggest key is to stop the cycle by no longer scratching them. It’s a hard thing to do, but the only way to stop the itch. A few drops of olive or mineral oil in each ear, each week, can be helpful, but make sure not to do this if you have holes in your ear drum (tympanic membrane perforations). Also be careful if you have hearing aids, as you would not want to damage them with the oil.
Bryan Smedley, D.O.
Ear, Nose & Throat Care
Utica Park Clinic – Owasso
10512 N. 110th East Ave., Suite 220
Owasso, OK 74055
918.376.8830
