Dangers of Leaving Water in Ears
Water in the ears is a common issue experienced by many, and our team at Main Line Audiology has seen how this affects Philadelphia, PA patients and its relation to hearing loss. Swimmers are especially prone to it following a pleasant dip in the pool, but it can even happen in the shower. Perhaps you’ve encountered the pesky discomfort of water stuck in your ear, causing hearing difficulties and an itchy or full sensation that just won’t go away. While it might seem harmless, leaving water in your ears can lead to serious health complications, including painful ear infections and, in severe cases, temporary or even permanent hearing loss. We’re here to explain the dangers of water in your ears and what you can do to protect your hearing health.
The Perils of Persistent Water in Your Ears
When water enters the ear canal, it can become trapped due to the canal’s shape or the buildup of earwax, especially following activities like swimming or bathing. This stagnant water provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to swimmer’s ear, a painful infection of the outer ear canal. If left untreated, swimmer’s ear can lead to more severe complications, such as hearing loss and the spread of infection to other tissues.
Signs to Watch Out For
Detecting water in your ears is usually easy, especially if it’s not the first time you’ve had it. Since swimming is the most likely time it occurs, the signs usually appear right after your time in the pool or ocean. Some symptoms are standard, such as a plugged feeling, hearing a “swishing” sound, itching, and temporary hearing loss. Others are more delayed and signal it’s time to see a medical provider. These include:
- Clear fluid draining from the ear, which may even include traces of blood
- Severe, persistent pain
- Swelling
- Fever
- Significant hearing loss
Safe Ways to Remove Water
You can try several safe methods to remove water from your ears at home. If the symptoms don’t require the intervention of a healthcare professional, here’s what you can try:
- Tilting your head to the side of the infected ear while gently pulling on that earlobe to allow gravity to assist in drainage
- Use a hairdryer on its lowest setting, held a safe distance from your ear, to gently dry the ears and any moisture
- Over-the-counter ear drops are available, which are designed to dry out the ears
Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push the water deeper into the ear, potentially leading to complications.
Are Ear Infections and Swimmer’s Ear the Same Thing?
Uncovering what causes ear infections is essential in determining what kind it is. So, what exactly is swimmer’s ear? Also known as otitis external, this condition is an infection of the outer ear canal. It gets its name because it is most often caused by excess moisture in the ear that allows bacteria or fungi to thrive. It is a risk for swimmers but can affect anyone. Common causes include:
- Swimming in contaminated water
- Excessive cleaning of the ear canal
- Overuse of headphones or earplugs because they can strip the ear’s protective layer
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
The early signs of swimmer’s ear are just like any symptoms of water in the ear, making it crucial to be vigilant. Over time, symptoms can escalate to severe pain that may radiate to the face and neck, swelling, itchiness, redness, drainage of fluid or pus, muffled hearing, and, in severe cases, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Treatment and Recovery
Thankfully, swimmer’s ear usually responds well to antibiotic eardrops, which you can obtain with or without a prescription. It’s essential not to use cotton swabs or insert anything into your ear while treating swimmer’s ear, as this can push the infection deeper into the ear canal. Most people fully recover with proper treatment, though it’s not uncommon for symptoms to recur if the underlying causes aren’t addressed. Do ear infections go away on their own? Once the infection starts, it’s critical to treat it properly so it doesn’t get worse or spread to other areas.
Can an Ear Infection Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes, ear infections, if left untreated, can lead to hearing loss. When the ear is infected, inflammation may impact the eardrum and the tiny, delicate bones in the middle ear that conduct sound, disrupting its ability to transmit sound to the inner ear and the brain. Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear is permanent and requires hearing aids to assist with better hearing.
How to Prevent Ear Infections
Conscientious ear care is essential to prevent hearing loss and ear infections in adults and children. Practices such as wearing ear protection in noisy environments, drying your ears thoroughly after swimming, avoiding inserting objects in your ears, and seeking medical attention at the first sign of infection can go a long way in protecting your hearing health.
Speak With a Hearing Care Professional
Water in the ears, if neglected, can lead to various complications, including swimmer’s ear and hearing loss. Swift action to remove trapped water will minimize the chances of infection, and Main Line Audiology in Philadelphia, PA is here for any ear infections that cause hearing loss. Preventive measures can help safeguard your ears and hearing from the dangers infections pose. Remember that your hearing health is precious, so take the necessary steps to protect it. Locate one of our hearing care centers near you to address any hearing loss concerns.
