Swimmer's ear prevention

*DISCLAIMER:I am not a medical professional.  I am writing about personal experiences and from years in the water.  If you suspect that you or your child has swimmers ear, please seek professional care.  

If you've ever had swimmers ear, you know how painful it can be.  You also know that it's something you don't want your child to get this summer.  If you are lucky enough to have escaped getting swimmers ear, read on.


Swimmer's ear (otisis externa) is a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal. When that delicate skin gets wet and stays wet, bacteria thrive, especially in the warm summer months.  As children go to the pool multiple times a day, their risk of swimmers ear may increase as the ear doesn't have time to dry.  Earwax is a natural moisture barrier, so it's not advised to try to remove it.

To prevent swimmers ear in your child, the ear canal needs to dry out from time to time.  I do not recommend bathing caps or ear plugs as a way to keep the ears dry.  Caps absolutely do not prevent water entering the ear.  Ear plugs are not comfortable, and I have found that children do not like them.  They also can set up the expectation that the ears shouldn't get wet, hindering swimming.

The best way to prevent swimmer's ear is to dry the ear after swimming.  You can buy inexpensive over-the-counter drops at a pharmacy.  It's even cheaper and easier to make your own and use a dropper.

          

 Recipe:  50% rubbing alcohol(isopropyl alcohol) and 50%white vinegar

This is the solution I used for years, and it is included in the American Academy of Pediatrics link below.  It's great for those times you can "hear" the water in your ears, but you can't shake it out.  I used the drops as much as 3-4 times a week in the summer months.

If you suspect you or your child already have swimmer's ear, don't use the preventative drops.  Please see a doctor.  They will probably recommend you keep the ears dry for a prescribed number of days, and possibly write a prescription for drops.

Helpful Links
American Academy of Otolaryngology
CDC-Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Pediatrics

Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer of swimming!
-Miss Elaine