Learn how to deal with inflammation of the ear.

Almost everyone swims underwater in the sea, swimming pools and rivers in summer. But your beloved, refreshing dips can play havoc with your ears, if you don’t take precautions.

Earache is inflammation of the ear that can also occur in winter, normally caused by colds, allergies and, in summer, contact with water. Although it tends to affect children (an estimated 70% suffer from earache at some time) it can happen at any age.

According to the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology, swimming, and the summer heat are responsible for the moist conditions that cause external otitis, also known as swimmer’s ear. This intensely painful infection (just resting on the pillow is uncomfortable), hurts even more than winter earache.

Tips for preventing ear inflammation

Above all, experts recommend preventing the ear canals from getting wet and drying them frequently. Here are ten recommendations for preventing earache:

1. Dry yourself with a towel: when you get out of the water, dry the outer part of the ear and entrance to the duct with a towel or a paper towel.
2. Short swims: don’t spend too long soaking (particularly children) and stick to short, frequent swims.
3. Wear earplugs or swim caps: if you tend to suffer from earache, do a lot of swimming, or spend a long time in the water in summer, wear earplugs or a swim hat (polyester, silicone, fabric or latex).
4. Don’t swim in dirty water: doctors advise avoiding potentially contaminated water, so stay out of water where there is little marine life which contains a lot of industrial waste, detergent and pesticides.
5. Do not use cotton buds: we recommend you avoid using cotton buds and other objects like hairpins or toothpicks to clean your ears, because they can push bacteria inwards and may perforate the eardrum.
6. Use your hair-dryer: hold your hair-dryer at a safe distance so as not to burn yourself and dry any water inside the ear.
7. Use ear drops: if you have water in the ear duct, it is a good idea to apply 2 or 3 drops of a saturated solution of boric acid in alcohol, available from chemists.
8. Have a check-up: before summer, specialists advise having your ears cleaned by a health professional, particularly if you tend to get ear wax or keratin build up.
9. Don’t use sprays: do not put products on your skin capable of changing its pH (substances that increase acidity and the softness of the skin, which weaken its defence mechanisms.
10. See an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) in case of discomfort or symptoms.

Ear infections tend to be more painful than they are serious, but when they occur, it is best to treat them as quickly as possible. Your best course of action is to see an otolaryngologist who will prescribe a suitable treatment.

Don’t let earache spoil your summer or your holiday.

This post is also available in: Spanish