For many of us here in Australia, swimming is an everyday part of our lives. Whether it be splashing around the shore with grandchildren or doing some laps to keep our cardio fitness in check. For seniors especially, swimming is a great way to keep fit. Swimming has a low impact on your body & requires little additional equipment to get started! Whether in a pool, lake, river, or the ocean, swimming is an essential part of summer, no matter your age. But could swimming damage your ear or lead to hearing loss?
How swimming affects your ears
Swimming can pose some significant risks to your ears, as it can cause otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear. This condition is caused by exposure to bacteria found in natural bodies of water. It can also be contracted in swimming pools or hot tubs that aren’t properly sanitised or treated with chlorine.
When contaminated water becomes trapped in your inner ear, the bacteria can breed and cause an infection. Such infections can potentially damage the fragile hair cells inside the ear responsible for transmitting sound, leading to hearing loss.
Protecting your ears from water
Before jumping in, you can minimize your risk of developing ear infections by checking if a pool or hot tub is properly maintained and treated with chlorine. If you enjoy swimming in natural bodies of water, stay away from stagnant areas that are more likely to have high levels of bacteria. Also, do some research to find out if a water source may be a safety risk.
You can further protect your ears by wearing earplugs when swimming to prevent water from getting inside. Disposable, water-resistant earplugs are available at any pharmacy, but if you’re a more regular swimmer, you might want to get custom-made ear protection for a reusable solution.
How can you clean your ears after swimming
If you feel the sensation of water in your ears after a swim, there are a couple things you can do to remove it:
1 – Dry your outer ear with a soft towel without sticking it in the ear canal.
2 – Lean your head to one side while pulling gently on your ear lobe to help the water flow out.
3 – Place a few drops of rubbing alcohol, a solution of rubbing alcohol and vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide in the ear to help the water evaporate.
4 – Chewing or yawning can help open the eustachian tubes and remove water from your ears.
5 – Steam can also open the eustachian tubes. Place your face above a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head and inhale the steam for five to 10 minutes.
If the methods listed above don’t work, make an appointment to see a doctor to clean out your ears and prescribe any necessary treatment. If you are having difficulty hearing, a hearing care professional can evaluate the cause and recommend hearing aids if necessary.
Don’t be afraid of the water! If you take the proper precautions swimming is unlikely to damage your hearing and can still be a safe activity . Learning more about where you swim, wearing proper ear protection, and knowing what to do if water gets in your ear will help you avoid the risk of developing an infection that could damage your hearing.
