Open Water & Pool Coaching Videos

Look After Your Ears

Having lost some of my hearing to an infection as a child I’m always keen to protect my ears and as a keen swimmer it is something I consider very important.  I’ve been searching for good ear protection since I started swimming many moons ago and this is why….

 

Swimmers Ear

It is known that repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation and this is why the condition otitis externa is often referred to as ‘swimmers ear’.

Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and eardrum.

According to NHS references Symptoms of otitis externa include:

ear pain, which can be severe

itchiness in the ear canal

a discharge of liquid or pus from the ear

some degree of temporary hearing loss

Usually only one ear is affected.

With treatment, these symptoms should clear up within a few days. However, some cases can persist for several months or longer. Obviously if you have any concerns please do visit your GP for examination so they can determine what type of infection you have and prescribe medication if appropriate.

What causes Otitis Externa?

Most cases of otitis externa are caused by a bacterial infection, although the condition can also be caused by:

irritation

fungal infections

allergies

There are a number of things that can make you more likely to develop otitis externa, including:

damaging the skin inside your ear

and regularly getting water in your ear



Surfers Ear

Surfer’s ear or external auditory exostoses (EAE) is a slowly progressive disease caused by benign bone growth resulting from chronic cold water exposure.

Whilst this condition is most classically associated with surfing it can be seen in any individual who is repeatedly exposed to cold water such as surfers, swimmers, divers, kayakers, and sailors. Surfer's ear is usually asymptomatic but can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, recurrent infections, etc. Treatment usually involves medical management but may include surgery if symptoms become severe.

This condition is considered preventable.  Preventive measures include increased awareness and education among high-risk populations on the risks of repetitive, chronic cold water exposure.

 

Consistent use of physical ear protection during cold water exposure  can prevent cold water from entering the ear canal and can mitigate the development and progression of exostoses. In one study, wearing earplugs or a hood was noted to significantly reduce the risk of developing exostoses. Earplugs are more effective at preventing water from entering the external auditory canal as they provide a seal. Wetsuit hoods are semi-permeable. They limit the volume and speed at which water can enter the ear canal, but do not completely prevent water from entering. Wetsuit hoods provide valuable warmth and insulation for the ears. The best way to prevent EAE in people who are frequently exposed to cold water is to use both earplugs and a wetsuit hood.

Surfer's Ear - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

 


Feeling Dizzy?

I used to get this all the time when swimming, feeling dizzy and not quite with it. Now I know for me this was likely the result of cold water entering the ears and under certain conditions causing reflex activity in the semicircular canals of the internal ear or labyrinth.  If this happens to you best get checked out as cold water puts your body under extreme stress.  If it turns out feeling dizzy is caused by the cold in your ears get them protected.

Protection

As a  regular swimmer please consider that prevention is better than cure.  I’ve tried most things; hard plugs, soft plugs, custom made, ear band, dive hood, blutack, double hat  and a mixture of all; but most let the water in.  The closest I have got to a good seal is the mouldable silicone plugs with a snug fitting hat, but then I struggle to hear what’s going on.  I have just purchased some swim ears, I’ve done two swims and so far so good and most important for me as a coach is that they seem to fit well and I can hear with them in!  I would suggest trying everything you can and seeing what works for you as an individual .…at some point I’m sure you will find your best option.

Please note that we are not medical professionals and if you have any concerns about your health you should seek advice from your GP.

©Solent Swim School 2022

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