How To Choose Ear Plugs For Swimming
Those who swim regularly often find their ears becoming sore and itchy. These are early signs of the dreaded swimmers ear. It can easily be prevented through the judicious use of a good pair of waterproof ear plugs for swimming.
You can easily prevent a bad ear infection by using swimming earplugs when the early signs set in. You will save yourself from pain and suffering. You will also relinquish the need for a course of antibiotics. Drops are usually all that are required. In severe cases, tablet or liquid antibiotics by mouth are needed to keep the problem at bay.
Waterproof ear plugs from make ideal ear plugs for swimmers. The foam types are useless as they don't block water from the ears and so could make the problem worse by prolonging the drying of the ears.
Wax and silicon ear plugs are fine but they don't tend to last long. This is because they quickly become clogged with dirt, requiring replacement after only a few uses. This can make them become highly costly if used for a prolonged period of time.
Antibacterial in-the-ear plugs are the best variety due them actively fighting bugs and otitis. Those who suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis are more at risk from the condition. This is because of the delicate nature of the skin and the increased likelihood of surface breaks and bacterial ingression. Treatment of the underlying condition can help prevent otitis developing.
Swimmers ear plugs are ideally cord-connected making them easier to find and harder to lose.
How Do You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is a common disorder which is caused by the effects of water on the outer ear and canal. Chemicals and irritants can speed and worsen the condition. Soaps and perfumes as well as other materials can worsen inflammation. Early signs of the condition are itching and soreness. These can progress rapidly to pain, discharge and muffled hearing from blockage.
Here are a few tips for preventing the condition.
- Swimming earplugs. The regular use of earplugs for swimming will keep water and chemicals out of your ears. ZenPlugs are useful as they are antibacterial, non-porous and last for years. You can connect them on a cord so that you don’t lose them if you drop one or you knock them out in the pool.
- Rinse your ears. After swimming you should wash them out with drinking water or a surgical alcohol preparation. This will remove any irritants and can help with the drying.
- Keep out of the water. Once you have an infection that you might need to stay out of the pool or sea for a period of time in order that it can settle down.
- Treat underlying skin conditions. If you have eczema or psoriasis of the ear you should visit your doctor as you may need the condition treating. This will reduce your risk of developing swimmer’s ear.
- Keep fingers out. When they are sore it is very tempting to keep digging around with your finger or the end of a pen. This can introduce even more bacteria and can damage the skin, prolonging and worsening the infection. Don’t!
If you think that you may have an infection it is very important that you seek medical advice. You will need an examination and you may need a course of antibiotics drops or tablets.