Whether you're doing laps at Bolton's Watermoor Centre, splashing about with the grandchildren at your local leisure centre, or looking forward to a beach holiday, water and ears don't always mix well. Swimmer's ear and water-related infections are among the most common ear complaints we see at Fresh Hearing, and the good news is that most cases are entirely preventable. Here's everything you need to know about keeping your ears healthy in and around the water.
What Is Swimmer's Ear and Why Does It Happen?
Swimmer's ear (known medically as otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. Despite the name, you don't have to be a competitive swimmer to get it. Anyone whose ears are regularly exposed to moisture can develop the condition.
Here's what happens: water enters the ear canal and gets trapped, creating a warm, damp environment where bacteria and fungi thrive. Your ear canal has a natural protective lining of wax that helps keep moisture out and infections at bay. But prolonged water exposure can break down this barrier, leaving the delicate skin of your ear canal vulnerable.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Redness and swelling around the ear opening
- Pain that worsens when you pull on your earlobe or press on the small flap at the front of your ear
- A feeling of fullness or blockage
- Discharge that may be clear, yellowish, or have an unpleasant smell
- Temporary muffled hearing on the affected side
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to seek professional advice promptly. Left untreated, a mild infection can become significantly more painful and harder to resolve.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can develop water-related ear problems, some people are more susceptible than others. Understanding your risk level helps you take the right precautions.
Regular swimmers: If you swim several times a week, whether at Haslingden's community pool or anywhere across Lancashire, your ears are frequently exposed to moisture and the chlorine in pool water. Over time, chlorine can irritate the ear canal lining, making infections more likely.
People with narrow ear canals: Some people naturally have narrower ear canals that trap water more easily. If you've always felt that water gets "stuck" in your ears after bathing or swimming, this may apply to you.
Those with eczema or skin conditions: Existing skin conditions can compromise the ear canal's natural defences, making it easier for bacteria to take hold.
Hearing aid wearers: Wearing hearing aids creates a warmer, more enclosed environment in the ear canal. If moisture gets trapped behind or around the device, it can increase infection risk. This doesn't mean you should avoid water altogether, but it does mean taking a few extra steps to protect yourself.
People who over-clean their ears: Ironically, being too thorough with ear cleaning can remove the protective wax layer your ears need. Cotton buds, in particular, can scratch the ear canal and push debris further in, creating the perfect conditions for infection.
Five Practical Ways to Protect Your Ears in the Water
Prevention really is better than cure when it comes to water-related ear problems. These straightforward steps can make a significant difference.
1. Invest in proper swimming ear plugs
Not all ear plugs are created equal. Generic foam plugs designed for noise reduction aren't ideal for swimming because they absorb water. Instead, look for silicone or wax-based plugs specifically designed for water use. For the best fit and protection, consider custom-moulded swimming plugs. At Fresh Hearing, we can create plugs shaped precisely to your ear canals, giving you a comfortable, watertight seal that stays put even during vigorous activity.
2. Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming
After leaving the water, tilt your head to each side and gently pull your earlobe in different directions to encourage trapped water to drain out. Pat the outer ear dry with a soft towel. If you feel water is still trapped, a hairdryer on the lowest heat and speed setting, held about 30 centimetres from your ear, can help evaporate remaining moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal to dry it.
3. Use preventative ear drops
A simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, applied as a couple of drops in each ear after swimming, can help evaporate trapped water and maintain the ear canal's natural acidity. This acidic environment discourages bacterial growth. You can also find ready-made swimmer's ear prevention drops at most pharmacies across Bolton and Haslingden. However, do not use any drops if you have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, or any existing ear pain or discharge.
4. Take breaks from the water
If you're spending a full day at the pool or beach, give your ears regular breaks. Getting out of the water periodically and allowing your ears to dry naturally reduces the cumulative moisture exposure that leads to problems.
5. Keep your ear wax in balance
Your ear wax is a natural water-repellent. Having too little (from over-cleaning) or too much (which can trap water behind a blockage) both increase your risk. If you're prone to wax build-up, consider having a professional ear wax removal appointment before the swimming season or a holiday. This ensures your ears are clear without removing the protective layer they need.
What About Children's Ears?
Children are particularly prone to ear infections because their ear canals are shorter and narrower than adults'. If your children or grandchildren are regular swimmers, all the prevention tips above apply, with a couple of additional points.
Keep an eye out for complaints of ear pain, tugging at the ears, or unusual irritability after swimming. Children don't always describe their symptoms clearly, so watch for behavioural changes. If a child has grommets (ear tubes) fitted, always use waterproof ear plugs during any water activity, and speak to their audiologist or ENT specialist about specific precautions.
When Water Exposure Affects Your Hearing
Occasionally, patients come to us concerned about hearing loss after swimming. In most cases, the culprit is water trapped behind ear wax, causing a temporary blockage and muffled hearing. This usually resolves on its own as the water drains or evaporates. However, if muffled hearing persists for more than a day or two, or if you experience pain, discharge, or dizziness, it's time to seek professional help.
Repeated ear infections can, over time, cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum that affects your hearing more permanently. This is another compelling reason to take prevention seriously rather than treating infections after they develop.
Enjoy the Water With Confidence
Swimming is brilliant exercise and wonderful fun. There's absolutely no reason to avoid it because of ear health concerns, provided you take sensible precautions. A few simple habits before and after your swim can keep your ears healthy, comfortable, and infection-free all year round.
If you're experiencing any ear discomfort, persistent water blockage, or signs of infection, don't wait for it to worsen. At Fresh Hearing Audiology, we offer next day and evening appointments at our Bolton and Haslingden clinics, so getting expert advice fits easily around your schedule. Whether you need professional ear wax removal, custom swimming ear plugs, or a hearing assessment, our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch today and keep doing what you love, with healthy ears to enjoy every moment.