Preventing Swimmer’s Ear: Summer is Here—Protect Your Ears

Swimmer's Ear is a painful infection of the outer ear canal that often occurs within a few days of swimming. More common in children than adults, symptoms of Swimmer's Ear include:

• Redness or swelling around the ear
• Itching inside the ear
• Pain when you tug or put pressure on the ear
• Pus or drainage coming out of the ear

Swimmer's Ear is easily treated with antibiotic drops but should not be treated with home remedies.

PREVENTING SWIMMER'S EAR

In hot weather, lakes and swimming pools provide the perfect environment for growing the germs that cause Swimmer's Ear. The best way to avoid Swimmer's Ear is to keep your ears as dry as possible.

• Use a swimming cap or ear plugs when swimming
• Use a towel to dry your ears right after swimming
• Tilt your head to hold each ear facing down to allow water to escape the ear canal. Pull your earlobe in different directions while the ear is faced down to help water drain out.
• If there is still water left in ears, use a hair dryer on the lowest setting and held several inches from the ear to move air inside the ear.

EAR DROPS AFTER SWIMMING

There are several over-the-counter alcohol-based ear drop solutions that help dry out the ear canal quickly—if your doctor has cleared you to use them. Ear drops are not recommended for anyone with ear tubes, an outer ear infection or damaged ear drums.

You can also make ear drops yourself by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar. Whether purchased or home made, simply use a couple drops in each ear right after swimming.

IS IT AN EAR INFECTION OR SWIMMER'S EAR?

The easiest way to tell if you or child is suffering from Swimmer's Ear (that needs immediate treatment) or a middle ear infection (that may simply go away on its own) is to wiggle the outer ear. If you can wiggle the ear without pain or discomfort, chances are it's not Swimmer's Ear.

Not sure whether you need to see a doctor? VITAL WorkLife Nurseline can help. Call 1.866.220.3138—any time of the day or night—to speak to a registered nurse about your symptoms.

HEAR MORE ABOUT SWIMMER'S EAR: THE NURSELINE AUDIO LIBRARY

The Nurseline Audio Library has information on a wide variety of health and safety topics. To hear more about Swimmer's Ear, call 866.220.3138 and push 2. When prompted, punch in:

• Code 1643 for the audio file on Swimmer's Ear
• Code 1264 for the audio file on Ear Infections

Pathways to Well Being Call VITAL WorkLife at 800.383.1908