{"id":1361,"date":"2017-07-04T12:57:14","date_gmt":"2017-07-04T12:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/unusual-kelp.flywheelsites.com\/?p=1361"},"modified":"2019-09-16T17:12:54","modified_gmt":"2019-09-16T21:12:54","slug":"fun-times-in-the-pool-without-swimmers-ear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/losgatosaudiology.com\/fun-times-in-the-pool-without-swimmers-ear\/","title":{"rendered":"Fun Times in the Pool, Without Swimmer\u2019s Ear!"},"content":{"rendered":"
Summer has arrived, and with it, lots of opportunities to spend time in the water. Whether you\u2019re at the beach, beside the pool or going to the lake, being in the water can increase the risk of swimmer\u2019s ear, an ear infection resulting from bacteria in the ear canal when moisture is present. Luckily, there are a few ways to avoid it.<\/p>\n
Ear Plugs Can Help<\/strong><\/p>\n When water enters your ear canal and can\u2019t escape, that moisture creates a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause Swimmer\u2019s Ear. Swimming ear plugs can block water from entering your ear canal, getting trapped and causing an issue. Swimming ear plugs can be purchased at retail stores or at your audiologist\u2019s office. Just make sure to get well-fitting plugs so they will be effective.<\/p>\n Dry and Clean<\/strong><\/p>\n The best way to prevent Swimmer\u2019s Ear is to keep your ear canal dry and clean. Thoroughly dry your ears after swimming, especially if you don\u2019t use swimming ear plugs. Generally, tilting your head and using a towel is sufficient, but a cool hair dryer on low can also be used.<\/p>\n Drip Drops<\/strong><\/p>\n There are several types of ear drops that can be used to help remove moisture from the ear canal after swimming. Common ingredients include olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. While each works, some are better than others with repeated use. Rubbing alcohol dry out the ear canal too much, which can cause more problems in the long run. Hydrogen peroxide can kill the \u201cgood bacteria\u201d in your ear, which protect against the \u201cbad bacteria,\u201d and back-fire in an infection. Ear drops are not recommended if you have synthetic ear tubes or a ruptured ear drum, and will be ineffective if you have excessive ear wax.<\/p>\n Ear Wax is Your Friend<\/strong><\/p>\n Ear wax protects our ears, but too little or too much ear wax can also cause a problem. Here are some tips for keeping a healthy balance of ear wax in your ears:<\/p>\n