Summer is synonymous with fun-filled activities like swimming, going to the beach, and going to exhilarating waterparks. Summer is also synonymous with hot, humid weather, which often calls for a relaxing dip to give yourself a break from the sweltering heat. However, when kids are involved in such water-based activities, it is not out of the ordinary to experience a spike in ear infections.
Summer ear infections are commonly referred to as swimmers’ ears. It is an infection involving the external ear canal, professionally known as otitis externa. It is a common downside of spending an excessive amount of time in the water. It occurs when there is excess moisture trapped in the ear. It irritates and breaks down the skin in the narrow ear canal, which results in the creation of an ideal environment for bacteria to develop and multiply. You may be able to identify the symptoms of a swimmer’s ear if a loved one experiences severe ear pain, swelling, redness and itchiness inside the ear. However, it is crucial to remember that although it is not a severe condition, it can cause serious side effects if left untreated. You can find various ear infection treatment and prevention options like Earcalm at Click Pharmacy.
In order to prevent such occurrences, it is important to take the following preventive measures:
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1. Protecting the Ears
The easiest way to prevent ear infections in the summer is to keep the ears as dry as possible while submerged in the water. In order to ensure that the ears are as dry as possible at all times, invest in a good bathing cap and ear plugs or get custom-fitted ear moulds. These devices can help block excess water from entering your ears.
2. Dry the Ears
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While it is evidently necessary to protect the ears, it is also quite important to dry them. After showering or swimming, make sure to wipe your ears dry. You can do so by wiping the outside of the ears in a slow and gentle manner. You can use a towel to do so. Also, pull the earlobe in different directions while the ear is pointed in a downward position, as this technique allows water to drain out more efficiently. Avoid making contact with the inside of the ear canal while drying the ears. A more accessible approach is using a hair dryer on the lowest setting and holding the device about a foot away from the ear to dry out the water. Do not keep the dryer near your ear for more than a few seconds.
3. Keep Objects Away from Ears
When drying your ears, it is vital to keep foreign objects away from them. You may feel inclined to use a cotton swab, paper clip or hairpin to clean your ears, but you should only use a soft towel. Under all circumstances, avoid scratching the inside of the ear with your finger, as well. Keeping such objects away can prevent tiny tears in the skin covering the ear canal. A single tear in the area can create an entry point for bacteria to thrive.
4. Role of Ear Wax
It is natural to be disgusted by ear wax. However, it is strongly recommended not to remove ear wax or cerumen.
It is best to consult a physician if you think that your ear canal is blocked due to the wax.
5. Get Ear Drying Drops
If the manual ear drying methods do not work for you, talk to your GP about it. You can use ear drying drops for prevention after submerging in water. One of the best ear-drying drops that work as a treatment for the infection is Earcalm. You can find it in the form of a spray, as well. It contains acetic acid, which is an antibacterial. This specific agent focuses on eliminating bacteria from the ears. It is also an over-the-counter treatment, which means it is available without a prescription.
However, note that you should not use the same ear-drying drops if you have ear tubes, punctured eardrums or are already suffering from a swimmer’s ear.
6. Swim only in clean water
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Swimming in unclean or filthy water, such as ponds or rivers, can also result in ear infections. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which enters the ear canal and causes infections, effusion, and hearing loss, can be infected by this type of water. Therefore, to prevent this kind of germ from entering their ears, avoid having a bath in a place that does not adhere to hygienic requirements.
7. Avoid barotrauma
Travelling by air becomes more popular during the summer vacation. However, some people are particularly sensitive to variations in air pressure, which can be uncomfortable and painful to the ears. In some circumstances, people could also experience temporary hearing loss. Drinking often, sucking on something sweet, or chewing gum while flying is the easiest approach to managing these symptoms.
8. Limit your use of the air conditioner
These devices lower the air’s humidity levels, resulting in an artificial atmosphere, and constant air currents impact the respiratory system and, consequently, the ears and hearing. In order to boost the humidity levels, we advise maintaining a consistent room temperature of 22° to 24° and filling several containers with water to place around the house.
9. Protect against loud sounds
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The summer season is when more people attend festivals, gatherings, and concerts, which are frequently very loud due to music or fireworks. In these circumstances, there are specialised earplugs that lessen the pressure on their eardrum.
Final Word
While some people can swim all summer long and not get swimmer’s ear, others can quickly develop an outer ear infection or swimmer’s ear immediately after a bath or shower. Similarly, if you or your child has an inherently curvy and narrow ear canal, water will likely get trapped in the ear after any exposure to water.
If you are prone to getting ear infections in the summer, invest in Earcalm. Using the treatment 2 to 3 times a day for only one week can do wonders for you by allowing you to enjoy yourself as much as possible in the summer!
