Swimming and Your Ears: Prevention and Care Tips

There's nothing quite like the feeling of gliding through cool water on a warm day, whether you're doing laps at the community pool, enjoying a leisurely swim at your vacation resort, or taking that water aerobics class your doctor recommended. Swimming is one of the best exercises for people of all ages—it's easy on the joints, great for cardiovascular health, and wonderfully refreshing. But if you've ever experienced that uncomfortable, muffled feeling in your ears after a swim, or worse, the sharp pain of an ear infection, you know that water and ears don't always play nicely together.

The good news? With a little knowledge and some simple precautions, you can enjoy all the benefits of swimming while keeping your ears healthy and comfortable.

Understanding the Ear-Water Challenge

Your ears are marvels of engineering, but they weren't exactly designed with swimming in mind. The outer ear canal has a natural curve that can trap water, creating a warm, moist environment that bacteria and fungi find irresistible. Add to this the fact that prolonged water exposure can wash away the natural protective oils in your ears, and you've got a recipe for problems.

As we age, our ears become even more susceptible to water-related issues. The skin in our ear canals becomes thinner and more delicate, while earwax production may decrease, reducing one of our natural defenses against moisture and bacteria. This doesn't mean you need to avoid swimming—it just means you need to be a bit more thoughtful about ear care.

The Swimmer's Ear Story

"Swimmer's ear" sounds like something that only affects competitive swimmers, but it's actually one of the most common ear problems among recreational swimmers of all ages. Medically known as otitis externa, swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that develops when bacteria or fungi grow in the trapped moisture.

The symptoms are hard to miss: your ear feels full and muffled, it might itch or hurt, and you may notice some discharge. In severe cases, the pain can be quite intense, especially when you touch your ear or move your jaw. Left untreated, swimmer's ear can lead to more serious complications, including hearing loss.

But here's the thing about swimmer's ear—it's almost entirely preventable with the right approach.

Prevention: Your First Line of Defense

The Gentle Dry-Out Method
After swimming, resist the urge to aggressively towel-dry your ears or stick cotton swabs deep into your ear canal. Instead, tilt your head to each side and let gravity do most of the work. Gently towel-dry the outer ear, and consider using a hair dryer on the cool setting, held about a foot away from your ear, to help evaporate any remaining moisture.

The Shake and Tilt Technique
While you're still at the pool, try the "shake and tilt" method. Tilt your head to one side and gently shake or jiggle your ear to help water flow out. Then repeat on the other side. This simple technique can prevent water from settling deep in your ear canal.

Preventive Ear Drops
Many pharmacies sell over-the-counter preventive ear drops specifically designed for swimmers. These typically contain alcohol or other drying agents that help evaporate trapped water. You can also make your own solution using equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol—just a few drops in each ear after swimming can work wonders.

Consider Earplugs
Swimming earplugs aren't just for competitive swimmers. Modern waterproof earplugs are comfortable, effective, and much less obtrusive than you might think. Look for silicone or wax earplugs that mold to your ear shape, or consider custom-fitted plugs if you're a regular swimmer.

The Pool Chemistry Factor

Not all swimming environments are created equal when it comes to ear health. Well-maintained pools with proper chemical balance are generally safer for your ears than poorly maintained ones. However, even properly chlorinated pools can sometimes cause ear irritation, especially if you're sensitive to chemicals.

Hot tubs and spas present their own challenges. The warm water temperature creates an ideal environment for bacteria growth, and the chemicals used to keep them clean can be harsh on sensitive ear skin. If you enjoy soaking in hot tubs, limit your time and be extra diligent about ear care afterward.

Natural bodies of water—lakes, rivers, and oceans—carry their own risks. While they don't contain chlorine, they may harbor bacteria, parasites, or other microorganisms that can cause ear infections. Ocean swimming is generally considered safer than freshwater swimming from an ear health perspective, thanks to the natural antibacterial properties of salt water.

The Wax Conundrum

Earwax gets a bad reputation, but it's actually one of your ears' best friends. This natural substance helps protect your ear canal from water, bacteria, and debris. However, swimming can complicate the earwax situation in a couple of ways.

First, water can cause earwax to swell and become impacted, leading to temporary hearing loss and discomfort. Second, frequent swimming can actually wash away beneficial earwax, leaving your ears more vulnerable to infection.

If you're experiencing earwax-related problems, resist the urge to dig it out with cotton swabs or other objects. This can push the wax deeper and potentially damage your ear canal. Instead, consider using over-the-counter earwax removal drops, or better yet, see a healthcare provider for safe, professional removal.

Age-Related Considerations

As we get older, our ears require a bit more attention and care. The skin in our ear canals becomes more delicate, healing takes longer, and our immune systems may not fight off infections as quickly as they once did. This doesn't mean you need to avoid swimming, but it does mean you should be more proactive about prevention.

Older swimmers should pay particular attention to:

• Drying ears thoroughly after swimming
• Avoiding swimming in questionable water conditions
• Seeking prompt medical attention for any ear pain or unusual symptoms
• Being gentle when cleaning ears
• Considering preventive measures like earplugs or drying drops

When to Seek Help

Most minor ear discomfort after swimming resolves on its own within a day or two. However, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention:

• Severe ear pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Discharge from the ear, especially if it's thick, colored, or foul-smelling
• Significant hearing loss that doesn't improve after the ear dries
• Fever accompanying ear symptoms
• Swelling around the ear
• Symptoms that worsen instead of improving after a day or two

Don't try to "tough it out" if you're experiencing significant ear problems. Early treatment is more effective and can prevent complications.

The Exercise Connection

Swimming is often recommended for older adults because it's a low-impact exercise that's easy on joints and muscles. If ear problems are keeping you out of the water, you're missing out on one of the best forms of exercise available. This is why proper ear care is so important—it keeps you active and healthy.

Water aerobics classes, in particular, are popular among older adults for good reason. They provide excellent cardiovascular exercise, help with balance and flexibility, and offer social interaction. Don't let ear concerns prevent you from participating in these beneficial activities.

Travel and Swimming

If you're planning a vacation that includes swimming, a little preparation can prevent ear problems from ruining your trip. Pack preventive ear drops, bring along some earplugs, and research the water quality at your destination. Hotel pools and resort facilities should be well-maintained, but it's always good to be cautious.

When traveling to tropical destinations, be aware that warm, humid climates can make ear infections more likely. Pay extra attention to ear care, and consider seeing a doctor before you travel if you're prone to ear problems.

The Daily Swimmer's Routine

If you swim regularly for exercise, developing a consistent ear care routine can prevent most problems:

Before Swimming:

• Check that your ears are clean and dry
• Consider using preventive earplugs
• Avoid swimming if you have any ear pain or signs of infection

After Swimming:

• Tilt your head to drain water from each ear
• Gently towel-dry the outer ear
• Use preventive drops if recommended by your doctor
• Allow your ears to air dry completely

Weekly:

• Check your ears for any signs of irritation or infection
• Replace earplugs if they become worn or damaged
• Clean your swimming goggles and other gear

The Bottom Line

Swimming is one of life's great pleasures and one of the best exercises you can do for your overall health. A few simple precautions can keep your ears healthy and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the water without worry.

Remember, prevention is always easier than treatment when it comes to ear problems. By taking care of your ears before and after swimming, you can continue to enjoy this wonderful activity for years to come. Your ears—and your overall health—will thank you for the attention and care.

Whether you're swimming laps for exercise, enjoying a leisurely float, or participating in water aerobics, make ear care part of your routine. It's a small investment of time and effort that pays huge dividends in comfort and health. So dive in, enjoy the water, and keep those ears happy and healthy.