Summer is coming, and soon enough, many Skyline students will find themselves splashing poolside. Swimming is a great way to cool off and have fun, but it is important to take care of oneself afterwards.
As everyone reaches for their sunscreen and towels, one part of post-swim care is often overlooked: the ears. Pool water can get trapped in the ear canal, easily leading to discomfort and infection.
“I don’t usually do anything [to my ears] after swimming,” states Skyline sophomore Subin P., who occasionally enjoys dipping in the pool in the Summer. 5 out of 7 students interviewed shared this sentiment.
However, pool water can cause infection of the outer ear canal called Swimmer’s ear that can cause itching, redness, and pain. Fortunately, infection can be prevented with the right steps. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control lists prevention methods that include:
- Keeping ears dry while swimming (bathing caps, ear plugs)
- Drying ears thoroughly after swimming/showering (tilt head back and forth, use a dry towel or a hair dryer on low setting)
- Ear-drying drops (check with healthcare provider first)
- Not putting objects in the ear canal (including cotton-tip swabs, pencils, paperclips, etc.)
- Not trying to remove ear wax (it can help protect the ear canal from infection)
Knowing these tips can help stay away from infection so one can enjoy this summer break to the fullest. A fun pool day should not turn into an earache, and proper ear care is crucial for an ear-healthy swim.
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