Every summer I get really bad ear infections, I keep them because I swim all summer long. I tried using ear plugs while swimming but water still get into my ears and cause them to hurt. I don't know what type of ear infections they are my doctor just says that it's an ear infection. And I'm looking for a way to reduce them. If you have any ideas please let me know.
~!~Amanda~!~
2007-05-27 15:58:03 · 12 answers · asked by Amanda54 2 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
Amanda:
I get ear infections all the time too. Here's some information that may help.
Ear drops are basically medicinal alcohol. I put three or four drops of alcohol in each ear about 30-minutes after a swim. I know it sounds crazy putting more fluid in your ear, but the alcohol will dry out all the liquid in your ear. Lay on your side, have someone put the drops in the ear which is up & let it set for about 30-seconds, then turn it up & wipes out any residual fluid. Do the same for the other ear.
If your ears are blocked, ear drops to dissolve ear wax are basically hydrogen peroxide. I do the same as with the medicinal alcohol, and allow the ears to drain.
I also wear ear plugs in the water. I prefer Finis ear plugs; however, they are hard to find. I have purchased them from K-Mart. Finis ear plugs are the ones with a small flat surface which blocks fluid from entering the outside of the ear channel.
I would recommend these because it's my experience that the other ones just don't work. Finally, if you have an ear problem, like fluid in your ear even before you get in the water, I would try to get the ears completely dried out. That's the only way to allow the ear to heal.
Please see a doctor. You don't want to hurt your hearing.
Good luck! Keep swimming!
Hagen Das
2007-05-27 16:20:35 · answer #1 · answered by Hagen Das 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ouch I can totally relate. have you tried over the counter swimmer ear medicine? I use SWIM-EAR. just put a couple of drops in the ear and wait about 10 sec and turn your head over and the water will run out. the trick is remembering to use it every time you swim. pulling your swim cap over you ears helps too.
swimmers ear is a fungus that grows in warm moist enviorments hints the ears in the summer. the water has to sit in the ear for it to grow. the point of any swimmer's ear remindy is to dry out the ear so it can't grow.
hint after you treat your ears and if there's burning sencation then you where getting the infection. the alcohole is killing the fungus. I know its really gross to think that there is something growing in your ears but its true.
I hope this helps good luck this summer I'll be doing the same.
2007-05-27 23:23:37 · answer #2 · answered by swimmergirl247 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The water in your ears is the problem. The bacteria multiply in the residual water and infect the ear.
Can you shake out the water after swimming? Shake your whole head as hard as you can to lose the water.
You can also put a little sterile rubbing alcohol in the ear to help loosen the water tension to release the water. Use a clean dropper to put the alcohol in the ear.
2007-05-27 23:09:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like swimmers ear. I used to get it all the time as a child. My remedy was after a swim, lean over and turn my head to the side. Put a little rubbing alchohol in my ears with an eye-dropper and hold it there for one minute. Then turn your head over and it runs out. Haven't had one since.
2007-05-27 23:07:04 · answer #4 · answered by crowbyto 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a solution of half white vinegar and half rubbing alchohol. It's easier to apply using an eye dropper. Put 3-4 drops in each ear and hold it in there a minute or so immediately after swimming.
2007-05-28 16:52:09 · answer #5 · answered by sab 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a small squirt bottle and fill half of it with white vinegar, and half with rubbing alcohol, then shake it to make sure it is mixed. shake it before you use it too.
every time you finish swimming,squirt some of it in your ears and then tilt you head to the other side so it will drain out. do this in each ear.
the alcohol will helpdry out your ear, and the vinegar helps to kill the bacteria.
i do this every time i'm through in the water.
2007-05-28 00:54:25 · answer #6 · answered by Amanda 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try ear plugs or getting the water out of your ears as soon as possable.
Good luck this summer!
2007-05-27 23:05:46 · answer #7 · answered by Terri C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
rubbing alcohol and vinegar mixed 50/50. if shaking your head doesn't work to get the water out after swimming try jumping up and down on one foot.
2007-05-28 03:41:57 · answer #8 · answered by Bryan H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
wear ur cap over ur ears...n make sure everytime u get done swimming to get all the water out of ur ears
2007-05-27 23:28:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Swim with your head above water at all times. Don't they have the doggie paddle stroke in your area?
2007-05-27 23:15:22 · answer #10 · answered by D-Low 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋