Hearing Protection When Swimming

When we go to the beach, pool, river or any other aquatic environment and go swimming, we need to wear hearing protection.

Ear protection when swimming is necessary to prevent infection and other unnecessary discomfort. Swimming is one of the favorite activities of the summer. However, when doing so we must take precautions for the protection of the ears.

Both the beach sea and the pool are home to hundreds of pathogens and among the organs that are most defenseless are the ears.

Outer ear infections are one of the most common vacation illnesses. The combination of water and heat create an ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria.

Human crowding accelerates transmission between swimmers. However, there are simple measures that guarantee the protection of the ears from the annoying and painful otitis.

Source of infections

No matter how much chlorine pools have, they are not totally exempt from the reproduction of invasive microorganisms for humans. Sometimes, the excessive use of cleaning products can contribute to the development of infections.

The problem is not only in standing water. The fungi that cause swimming diseases can be lodged in ourselves. In any case, the swimming pool or the beach are basically a suitable breeding ground for the proliferation of infectious diseases.

Frequent otitis

Otitis is nothing more than inflammation of the ear due to infection. This occurs when the organ responsible for draining fluid in the ear becomes blocked, causing a build-up that in turn degenerates into temporary tubal dysfunction.

There are two types of otitis: external and average. The most recurrent and annoying is the average, being very easy for the inflammation to extend for days or even weeks.

The most common symptoms are discharge, inflammation, itching, irritability, and the usual earache. In some very advanced cases, even partial facial paralysis may be experienced, but this is rare.

Blocking the water

The good news is that there are expeditious methods that make it easier to protect your ears and your internal organs. The vital thing is to avoid at all costs that our ears fill excessively with water to avoid obstruction.

The most used are plugs. These are small silicone pads that are inserted into the ear to prevent water from entering the internal part of our auditory system. But in addition to this method, there are other options that can be taken into consideration.

Bathing cap

One of the reasons why professional swimmers use the swimming cap in their practices and competitions is because it  helps to counteract the contagion of infectious processes.

The swimming cap is effective in blocking the passage of water. For this, it must be placed in the correct way: that it covers all of both ears and remains tight on the head. The important thing is to prevent it from slipping.

Silicone tapes

One item that falls between the simplicity of earplugs and the full coverage of the swim cap is silicone tape. It is placed like a headband, goes over the entire forehead and is a little thicker in the part of the ears.

This is a good option for the protection of otitis in children. We must remember that they are much more sensitive to suffering from this annoying disease. Obviously, the tape can be much more comfortable and aesthetic.

However, it is advisable for people with a greater propensity to ear infections to wear a hat. And also combined with the placement of the plugs.

Measures for the protection of the ears during swimming

Cleaning after each bath is also important to avoid the subsequent appearance of otitis. Every time we get out of the water we must clean our ears with a cloth. This way we will avoid as much as possible that there are residual water that can seep.

Also when we bathe we must avoid submerging ourselves for long periods of time. If we are going to dive, it is best to bring the appropriate equipment and clothing for this sport.

And in case of feeling any small discomfort, it is advisable to go quickly to the ENT, who will be in charge of unlocking our middle ear. The faster we attack the problem, the less the implications and of course, the pain.