What are the symptoms of 'Swimmer's Ear' and how to treat it - Midland Hearing Care

Surfs up! – Diving into Swimmer’s ear Otitis Externa is an infection of the outer ear canal. 

Otitis externa is often called “swimmers’ ear” as it is often brought on by water that remains in the ear after bathing/showering/swimming/water-sports. Trapped water in the ear canal creates a moist environment that aids the growth of bacteria. 

Children and adults who actively partake in water-based activities without swim plugs may be at risk of developing swimmers’ ear. Some people may be more prone to outer ear infections due to skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema or recent ear surgery. 

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may appear a few days after water activities. While the symptoms may range from mild to severe, the most common symptoms experienced include: 

• Itching in the ear
• Redness of the outer ear
• Discharge (fluid) from the ear
• Blocked feeling or a feeling of pressure in the ear
• Discomfort that may be worse by pulling on the ear
• Swelling in the ear. Hearing may be muffled 
• Should it be an advanced infection, swollen glands around the ear or neck 

What is the solution? 

Remember, prevention is key. Please wear earplugs to keep water out of ears. This summer, while out enjoying water-based activities like swimming, surfing and kayaking please look after your ears. It is around this time of year that there is an increase in swimmer’s ear and ear infections.

When choosing swimming earplugs, consider the following factors:

• Custom Fit - Everyone’s ears are shaped differently. Custom earplugs can be moulded to the shape and depth of your ear, creating an excellent fit and provide maximum protection from water. 
• Material - Most earplugs designed for swimming are non-toxic and resistant to moisture. Silicone earplugs are the most popular options for swimming as they are soft, comfortable and effective in keeping water out of the ears.
• Comfort - Choose earplugs, a swim cap or swim band that feel comfortable during your swim sessions. A bespoke fit ensures your water adventures remain enjoyable.
• Filtered - Some custom swim plugs can be designed to prevent water from entering the ears, while allowing you to hear the noise and people around you. This helps with situational awareness. 

Midland Hearing Care provides a bespoke custom ear protection service for all patient requirements. 

Our Clinic is a provider of high quality Variphone custom ear protection. Protect your ears this summer with our range of custom-moulded swim plugs to prevent ear infections. These custom swim plugs are available as a solid plug (no filter) to water-proof ears while bathing/swimming. 

Alternatively, we have a range of ‘off-the-shelf’ generic swim plugs, swim bands for children and Earol Swim drops with tea tree oil is available for purchase at our clinic. 

Visit our e-store for all your audiology needs. 

• Silicon swim plugs for children and adults
• Swimming headbands – Children
• Earol Swim with tea tree oil
• Custom hearing protection – consultation required for ear impressions (ear casts) 

Our care:

If looking for a solution for your unique hearing requirements, please contact Midland Hearing Care for our expertise. 

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Clinic website: https://www.midlandhearingcare.com/

Email us: info@midlandhearingcare.com

Landline: 043 336 8029

Clinic hours: By appointment only, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.

Please note: Our clinic is closed for lunch 1pm-2pm daily.

Megan Stirk, Clinical Audiologist 

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