Most Common Problems Affecting the Ears - Sumukha Hospitals in Hyderabad
Most Common Problems Affecting the Ears
If you happen to dive into the water incorrectly while jumping off the poolside, you may experience pain in your ear. It's possible that you're frustrated with recurrent ear infections. These are common problems that can affect your ears and, in severe cases, even endanger your hearing.
Let's explore these issues, their treatments, and what steps to take if you're facing ear problems.
Swimmer's Ear
After completing a few laps in the pool, you can't seem to get rid of the sensation of fluid in your ear. No matter what you do, your ear feels "full." Eventually, you develop itching and pain, which are clear signs of a swimmer's ear.
Every year, we encounter water-related ear problems, most of which are entirely unpredictable and unavoidable. As a patient, it can be confusing to determine if and when you should seek medical attention for an ear problem.
No one wants their time in the water to lead to discomfort like a swimmer's ear. To help you prevent this common ear infection, we have provided some useful tips.
Swimmer's ear, also known as acute otitis externa, occurs when water remains in your ear canal for an extended period, creating an environment for bacteria and germs to infect the delicate skin of your ear. It is essentially a localized infection affecting the skin of the ear canal and can involve bacteria or fungi.
While swimmer's ear can occur at any time of the year and not just from swimming, it is more common in the summer when you and your children spend more time in pools, oceans, or lakes.
The primary causes of a swimmer's ear are germs often found in water parks and pools. According to the Centers for Disease Control, swimmer's ear leads to approximately 2.4 million healthcare visits each year and incurs nearly half a billion dollars in healthcare costs.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SWIMMER'S EAR?
- Itching originating from inside the ear.
- A feeling of blockage or fullness due to fluid in the ear.
- Ear drainage.
- Fever.
- Difficulty hearing.
- Red and swollen skin around the ear.
As the swimmer's ear progresses, it can also present more severe symptoms such as:
- Pus discharge.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Complete blockage of the ear canal.
- Intense pain in the face, neck, and head.
If you suspect a swimmer's ear, it is crucial to seek treatment from one of our physicians at Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, and Throat. Delaying treatment can lead to a more severe ear infection or even hearing loss.
According to information from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, bone and cartilage damage are also possible if treatment is not sought promptly.
7 USEFUL TIPS TO PREVENT SWIMMER'S EAR
There are several ways you can help prevent swimmer's ear:
- When swimming, try to keep your ears as dry as possible.
- Use a swim cap or earplugs. We can also provide customized ear molds specifically designed for swimming.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry your ears after swimming. Use a towel and tilt your head with the ear facing down to allow gravity to assist in water drainage. Gently pulling your earlobe in different directions can also encourage drainage. Do NOT use Q-tips or cotton swabs.
- Avoid swimming in polluted water. If you use a pool or hot tub, ensure that the facility regularly disinfects it and maintains proper pH levels to minimize the spread of germs. If unsure, you may even consider using your own pool test strips to check.
- Protect your earwax. Earwax is essential as it not only guards your ear
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