Protect your ears this summer! Wear swim ear plugs and prevent swimmer's ear and exostosis

As the Summer draws closer, more people are engaging in outdoor activities including water sports.

Ear-related diseases like swimmer’s ear, surfers ear can be prevented by waterproofing ears with generic ear putty plugs or custom moulded swimplugs.

When left unprotected, overtime ears can develop a bony outgrowth known as ‘exostosis’ to protect the eardrum from cold water exposure during swimming in lakes or the sea.

What is swimmers ear?
Symptoms may appear a few days after water activities. While the symptoms may range from mild to severe and 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.

What is Exostosis?
Exostosis of the ear, commonly known as surfer's ear, is a condition characterised by abnormal bony growths in the ear canal.

This condition typically occurs in individuals who have repeated exposure to cold water, such as surfers and swimmers, leading to the formation of these noncancerous growths. The growths can cause narrowing of the ear canal, potentially leading to hearing loss and other complications.

Treatment may involve waterproofing ears (swim plugs), monitoring the condition (annual hearing review) or onward referral to an ENT Consultant for surgical intervention if recurrent ear infections occur and hearing is significantly impacted.

What can be done?
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:
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 Horluchs and 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).

We are here to help!
Midland Hearing Care offers expertise in microsuction wax removal, diagnostic hearing assessments, custom ear protection solutions and onward referral to private Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants, if required.

Please get in touch:
Find us on Facebook and Google my Business.
Website: midlandhearingcare.com
Email us: info@midlandhearingcare.com
Landline: 043 336 8029

Clinic hours are by appointment only. Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Please note our clinic is closed for lunch 1pm-2pm daily.

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