Swimmer’s Ear: An Infection Caused When Custom Made Ear Plugs For Swimming Are Not Used

Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal when water remains is ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that could help bacterial growth. Use of good custom made ear plugs for swimming is advised so that water does not enter ear.

In few cases the actual cause of the infection was putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in ears, as these items damage the thin layer of skin lining in your ear canal.

Swimmer’s ear is also known as otitis externa. The most common cause of this infection is bacterial infection in the ear canal. This condition is treated with ear drops which help prevent complications and more serious infections. Symptoms of this infection worsen if infection is not treated on time. There are chances that this infection can also spread to other ear. Few mild signs and symptoms are

Itching in ear canal

Slight redness inside your ear

Clear odorless fluid flowing out of ear

Mild discomfort in ear

In the advanced stage, severe pain in neck and head is seen in patients. Complete blockage of ear canal, redness or swelling of outer ear and swelling of lymph node are other symptoms of advanced stage of swimmer’s ear.

In What Situation Should You Wear Custom Ear Plugs For Swimming?

If you are staying on the beach side or have a pool in your backyard, then swimming is the most preferred popular activity among children and adults alike. As parents you would love to see your children enjoying in water, but always scared of infection creeping up if your child stays in water for too long.

Many doctors suggest use of custom ear plugs for swimming for children who have ear tubes fixed into their ears. Ear tubes are small cylinders that are fixed to the ear drum for children who have recurring middle ear infections in order to allow liquid to drain out.  Others doctors recommend regular use of ear plugs when swimming or diving in untreated water such as lakes, rivers or oceans.

Children with current ear infections or previous surgery are also advised to use ear plugs. Swimming does not cause middle ear infections, but pollutants in water can worsen the already existing ear infection. Underwater swimming can cause painful ear because of pressure change. In case of acute otitis media, an ear infection in which the ear drum is ruptured, swimming should be completely avoided until infection is cleared. It is always better to consult specialist while using ear plugs as few varieties are not suggested for everyone.

Get Proper Diagnosis By Enrolling Yourself For Audiology Hearing Test

Hearing our favorite music is always a pleasing experience. Due to increasing noise pollution emitted by various industries people are losing their audio or listening power. Even slightest door bell or volume of TV is not audible to you; then you should definitely contact clinics that conduct audiology hearing test regularly. The clinics have qualified and experienced doctors who take care of all patients with complete care and attention by understanding their individual requirements.

Audiologists have contacts with hearing device manufactures and they work with keen analysis by conducting comprehensive hearing assessment. The test enables people to know the nature of hearing loss that you might be experiencing. There are many reasons of hearing loss and most common reason of hearing loss is presbycusis which takes place due to natural ageing. Hearing loss is also caused due to environmental factors.

Excessive hearing loss caused by frequent exposure to loud music or various lifestyle factors is called sociocusis. The expert doctors will be able to know nature and severity of hearing loss with an advice on steps that one should take to reclaim their hearing. Some set of questions will be asked by patients which they have to revert in yes or no and are response of three are yes ; then test is conducted.