Most often this feeling quickly passes on its own, but if it persists or other symptoms appear, it may be the first sign of external ear infection.
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Pharmacist Jurgita Jankauskienė from the pharmacy network “Camelia” explains why this happens, how to recognize the first signs of the disease, and what mistakes to avoid, according to a press release.
Why can ears get blocked after swimming?
According to the pharmacist, a temporarily blocked ear after swimming usually does not signal anything serious – water that has entered the ear canal usually drains out on its own soon. However, if the water fails to drain from the ear for a longer time, and the ear is also affected by wind, temperature changes, or other external factors, it should not be ignored.
“Moisture that remains longer in the ear canal softens the skin and washes away part of the protective earwax layer. Since earwax protects the ear canal from moisture and microorganisms, when this protective barrier weakens, bacteria can more easily enter and multiply inside the ear. This can lead to the development of external ear infection, also known as swimmer’s ear,” explains J. Jankauskienė.
According to the pharmacist, the greatest risk is for people who often swim in summer, dive, spend a lot of time in pools or open water bodies. Also, children, people who have previously had external ear infections, those with skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, and those who tend to frequently clean their ears with cotton swabs are more likely to get sick.
Early symptoms are often mild
According to J. Jankauskienė, the first signs of external ear infection are usually quite mild, so people often think that water is simply trapped in the ear.
“At first, there may be a feeling of blockage, itching, slight discomfort, or a sensation as if water is still left in the ear. As the condition progresses, pain intensifies, especially when touching the ear flap or chewing, the ear canal may become red and swollen, hearing worsens, and sometimes discharge appears,” lists the pharmacist.
She states that the worsening of symptoms helps to distinguish a developing external ear infection.
The biggest mistake is trying to unblock the ear
Many people, as soon as they feel blockage, first grab cotton swabs and try to remove accumulated water and earwax with them.
“This is one of the most common mistakes. It is almost impossible to remove water with them, and earwax is often pushed even deeper. Moreover, the sensitive skin of the ear canal can be damaged, making it even easier for bacteria to enter the deeper ear canals and tissues,” warns the pharmacist.
She advises first trying to let the water drain naturally. In some cases, it is enough to tilt the head towards the affected ear, gently pull the ear flap, or hop a few times on one foot. The outer ear can be carefully dried with a towel.
If this does not help and after a few hours or the next day the feeling that water remains in the ear persists, ear drops or sprays that help dry the ear canal can be used.
“Usually, products containing isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, or other moisture-removing components are used for this. If more earwax has accumulated, preparations with carbamide peroxide or seawater solutions that help soften the earwax plug may be useful,” advises the pharmacist.
She reminds that people diagnosed with eardrum damage or who have ventilation tubes inserted should use any products in the ear only after consulting a doctor.
What happens if we do not treat the infection?
If external ear infection develops, it rarely goes away on its own, so it is important not to delay and take supportive measures. If there is suspicion of an ear infection, even if the pain is not very strong yet, the pharmacist recommends consulting a doctor or at least a pharmacist about using products that can relieve the condition.
“Untreated infection can spread deeper: pain intensifies, the ear canal swells more, so the person not only hears worse but also finds it difficult to fall asleep, perform daily tasks, and suffers from constant discomfort. Due to severe swelling, it sometimes becomes difficult even to instill the necessary medication. In such cases, prescription ear drops containing antibiotics, glucocorticoids, or combinations of these substances are usually required,” explains the pharmacist.
Tips for protecting ear health
The pharmacist emphasizes that most external ear infections can be prevented if ears are well cared for. The main preventive measure, especially for people frequently suffering from chronic ear infections, is to avoid swimming in dirty, stagnant water bodies, as water contaminated with microbes drastically increases the risk of infection.
After swimming in natural water bodies or showering, it is always worth drying the outer ear with a simple towel, and earwax should be removed only when it really accumulates excessively, without using cotton swabs.
“The earwax removal procedure can be performed using the mentioned solutions or at a doctor’s office after assessing the health condition. If a person often suffers from external ear infections or spends a lot of time in water, swimming earplugs or preventive ear drying products may be useful,” recommends J. Jankauskienė.
The pharmacist reminds that if ear blockage does not pass for more than one or two days, pain intensifies, or discharge appears, one should not delay. The earlier treatment starts, the higher the chance to avoid complications of the infection.
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