If you’re a swimmer or you like water sports, swimming and playing in the water are exciting ways to have an active and interesting lifestyle. But if you spend so much time in the water, your ear can be affected. This article contains several steps to help keep your ears in great shape and prevent issues like infections or hearing loss. Are you ready to learn ear hygiene tips to elevate your experience? Read on!
Keep Your Ears Dry and Use Earplugs
One of the best things to do for your ears is to keep them dry. After your swimming activities, gently dry your ears with a towel. To remove trapped water from your ears, tilt your head to each side. But if water is still stuck in your ears, take a hair dryer, put it on the lowest setting, hold it at arm’s length, and use it to evaporate the moisture. Keeping your ears dry will help prevent infections and any ear problems.
You can protect your ears from bacteria and excess moisture by wearing earplugs while swimming and engaging in water sports. When choosing earplugs, make sure that you pick those designed for water activities. Earplugs are made from soft silicone, so they can fit your ears perfectly and act as a waterproof seal. You’ll feel comfortable, which can reduce the risk of hearing loss and ear infections caused by repeated exposure to water.
Avoid Inserting Objects into Your Ears
You might be tempted to use cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears, remember that it can be harmful. To avoid blockages and infections, do not insert objects into your ears, as that can push the wax deeper into the ear canal. Focus more on cleaning the outer part of your ears with a cloth and allowing your earwax to expel by itself. If you feel like your earwax is in excess, schedule a hearing exam with a hearing health professional.
Rinse Your Ears with Fresh Water and Protect Them From Loud Noises
We all love to swim in the pool and sometimes have fun in the lake or ocean. After your swim, please rinse your ears with fresh, clean water. This will help wash away any bacteria, chlorine, or salt that might have accumulated. Ensure that the water is running and gentle, and dry your ears afterward. This routine will keep your ears healthy and save you from infections.
Although we’re talking about water activities, it is important to stay away from loud sounds. These sounds can come from your water sports gear or boats, and they can harm your ears in the long run. Use ear protection if you find yourself in a noisy environment to reduce the risk of hearing loss. When you pair rinsing your ears with fresh water, using ear protection, and having good ear hygiene, your ears will be in great shape.
Know the Signs of an Ear Infection
Knowing the signs of an ear infection is key to catching it early. Look out for itching, pain, swelling, or discharge from your ear. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Ignoring an ear infection can lead to bigger problems, like hearing loss. Regular check-ups can help keep your ears healthy and catch any issues early on.
Use Ear Drops if Necessary
If you often get ear infections or spend a lot of time in the water, ear drops can help. You can find over-the-counter ear drops made to dry out any water stuck in your ears. These drops usually have alcohol in them, which helps get rid of the moisture and keeps infections at bay. Just follow the directions on the bottle and use them after swimming or water activities to stay on the safe side.
Don’t Skip Hearing Health Exams
Even if you take great care of your ears, it’s still important to get your hearing checked regularly. These check-ups can spot early signs of hearing loss or other ear problems. A professional can give you personalized tips and treatments to keep your ears healthy. Regular exams are especially crucial if you spend a lot of time in the water.
Taking care of your ears is important, especially if you love swimming or water sports. To keep your ears healthy, make sure to keep them dry, use earplugs, avoid putting objects in them, rinse with fresh water, watch for signs of infection, use ear drops, protect against loud noises, and contact us for regular hearing check-ups. Following these tips will help you prevent hearing loss and other ear issues, so you can keep enjoying the water safely.