• Can swimmer's ear get worse?

I swim a lot and get swimmer's ear twice a season or so. I really hate wearing earplugs. Is recurrent swimmer's ear bad for me?

7 Answers

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • El Centro, CA

A good preventive is to instill 3-4 drops of a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water into each ear after prolonged swimming. Vinegar is acetic acid, usually about 11% by volume, so diluting it to 2 to 3 per cent creates an acid pH in the ear canal, which discourages bacterial infection.

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • San Antonio, Texas

Hello,

Yes, it is since it changes the susceptibility of the ear canal to get frequent ear canal infections.

Dr. D

  • Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Bonita Springs, FL

Usually the episodes of recurring external ear inflammation from swimming is not harmful but certainly painful.
Prevention of ear infections following swimming using a combination of swimmer eardrops such as alcohol and acetic acid is beneficial to help reduce the number and frequency of these infections.

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • New York, New York

Acute “swimmer’s ear” in a non-diabetic, non-immunosuppressed person is not dangerous, but needs treatment. As long as there is total resolution of each episode, there is no chronic problem to concern you. (But what is the cause of the recurring episodes? Avoid ALL forms of ear instrumentation.)

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Bonita Springs, FL

Usually not a major concern and some common ear products can reduce the frequency of the problems with ear drops after swimming.

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Hialeah, FL

Yes. The best way yo prevent it is prrpare s solution of 1/2 alcohol and 1:2 white vinegar and put 3 or 4 drops in each ear after you are done swimming. Do not use it if you have a hole in your ear drum

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Larkspur, California

Do not use ear plugs. Irrigate your ears well in shower after swimming. Have your MD. Rx Acetosol ear drops. Put two get in each ear after they have dried out

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