The weather is getting hot, and more and more people are going to the swimming pool to cool off. Some people can spend hours in the water, coming out of the pool with their whole body soaked, even water in their ears. Does swimming have any impact on the ears?
Does swimming have any impact on the ears?
Swimming does have an impact on the ears.
Spending too much time in the water can lead to water entering the ears, causing swelling and pain in the ear canal. This condition is known as "swimmer's ear," which is a type of contagious external otitis.
Swimming can cause external otitis
1. The water in the swimming pool is chlorinated. This chlorine water can damage the protective layer of fat in the ear canal, making the skin of the ear canal susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, leading to external otitis.
2. The compounds added to the swimming pool water can also cause ear sensitivity or worsen ear inflammation.
3. Furthermore, frequent swimming and the presence of moisture can lead to water entering the middle ear cavity, causing the ear canal to remain damp for a long time. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi in the middle ear cavity, leading to inflammation.
Swimming can cause otitis media
Submerging the head in water for too long while swimming, combined with the already humid swimming environment, can allow bacteria and viruses to enter the middle ear. This can result in the production of pus behind the eardrum or, when swimming with a cold or flu, bacteria from the nasal cavity can enter the middle ear canal, triggering inflammation and causing a feeling of pressure and ear pain.
Symptoms of ear infection and inflammation after swimming
After the ear is infected and inflamed, symptoms like swelling, pain, itching, yellowish fluid discharge from the ear, and temporary hearing loss may occur. Otitis media is difficult to treat, and recurrent episodes can lead to hearing loss.
How to protect the ears while swimming
1. Before swimming, clean the ear canal to remove any secretions. This can prevent pain and inflammation caused by water soaking the secretions during swimming.
2. Use earplugs while swimming to prevent water from entering the ears, which can cause pressure on the eardrum and lead to inflammation.
3. If water enters the ears while swimming, immediately get out of the water. Tilt the head to the side of the ear with water, vigorously kick the opposite leg, and pull the earlobe with your hand to allow the water in the ear to drain out.
4. After swimming, use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to dry any remaining moisture in the ears. Keep the hairdryer at least ten centimeters away from the ear and avoid using hot air to prevent burning the ears.
5. Avoid using hard objects like ear spoons, fingernails, cotton swabs, or any other tools to clean the ears, as they can easily damage the ears and cause inflammation.
