The summer season, when swimming in the pool and the sea frequently and water sports are intense, can invite diseases of the external ear canal. The moist environment created in the external ear canal due to frequent water contact paves the way for infections. Especially people with dense secretions or skin rash in the external auditory canal are at risk of moist ears. Trying to clean the external ear canal with fingers, towels, ear swabs or sharp objects also increases the possibility of infection.
External ear canal infections are common in people who are interested in water sports and swimmers. That's why this disease is called "swimmer's ear." However, many people suffer from 'swimmer's ear' during holiday periods when they spend a lot of time swimming in the pool and the sea. The dense ear secretion, also called earwax, absorbs water like a sponge, which paves the way for moisture to be trapped in the external ear canal and the development of infection. Insufficient disinfection of pools and crowded pools facilitate the formation of infection. Diabetics, people using hearing aids, and those with eczema on the skin of the external auditory canal are at higher risk of swimmer's ear.
In external ear canal infection, initially there is only ear itching and a feeling of fullness in the ear, followed by gradually increasing pain. Ear pain becomes evident by touching the earlobe or lying on it. Then, swelling of the ear or ear discharge occurs.
In this infection, in which a doctor must be consulted, we first clean the earwax and inflammatory residues in the external auditory canal. Then we start treating the infection with ear drops. In cases where the external ear canal swelling is intense, we may need to place a wick-shaped tampon in the external ear canal to facilitate the drops to reach and be absorbed into the external ear canal more easily. In cases where the infection is intense, we can also start oral antibiotic treatment.
How Can You Protect Yourself from 'Swimmer's Ear'?
As we enter the summer and pool season, especially before going on vacation, removing the earwax that is dense in the external ear canal. recommended. It is especially important to organize the pre-holiday treatment of patients with eczema in the external auditory canal. After contact with water, do not scratch the ear, do not play with the ear, do not touch the ear with fingers. You should not traumatize the ear with a towel or towel.
If your eardrum is normal, your ear, nose and throat doctor may recommend you use some ear drops after swimming. Simple alcohol drops or white vinegar can also be used for this purpose. However, be sure to talk to your doctor about using drops.
If you feel that water is trapped in your ear or your ear remains moist after contact with water, tilt your head so that this ear remains up and pull your earlobe upwards and backwards to drop your drops. Make sure that the drops go into the ear. , then turn that ear downwards to help your ear dry.
If external ear canal infection recurs frequently, it may be recommended to use vaseline cotton or silicone plugs to protect your ear from water.
Perforated eardrum, For people with previous ear damage or surgery, or if the ear is inflamed, it is essential to consult an ear, nose and throat doctor before swimming and using ear drops.
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