Chronic ear issues from swimming

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

02GF1 — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:05:57 GMT

Ear drops work until you get an infection. Afterwards, an antibiotic drops will clear things up in a few days, but must be prescribed. And it depends on whether the infection is outer, mid, or inner ear. I've only had to get anti-biotic fluid from a doctor a few times. But they can diagnose the problem quickly. Even a general practitioner can prescribe and diagnose an ear infection and prescribe a solution. Plugs are a good bet if you get re-occurent infections. You'll have to get used to them, but an ear doctor can fit you for a custom pair which fit your ears perfectly. They will cost about $60 though. You can buy ear drops for swimmers at any pharmacy, or make your own solution to save money. Star Otic used to be an excellent brand for swimmers ear, but I've had trouble finding it lately. Good Luck!!!

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 15:54:09 GMT

I also always end up having ear issues because of swimming but I just can't get off the water once I'm in the pool. I recently bought custom swimming www.youtube.com/watch from Big Ear and they are working great so far. I just hope the perfect fit stays.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

flystorms — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 09:32:28 GMT

Along with the drops, you can do a couple of other things. When you're drying your hair, you can wave the dryer over your ear (not directly in it) and it'll help to dry it out. Or another thing is to take some tissue paper and make a small point out of one corner and use it as a wick to pull water out of your ear. Again, don't cram it into you ear, but just keep it on the edge where it'll pull water to it.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

__steve__ — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 11:44:10 GMT

I have had pool related ear problems for years. I suspect it to be from a silicon reaction or hypersensitivity. Once I avoided ear plugs the problems became controlled. I admit keeping ears dry is a challenge, especially without sticking anything inside the ear, but having ear infections can be serious. I also use ear drops only if absolutely necessary, for stubborn moisture. Good fitting swim caps do seem to limit the amount of moisture that enters the ear, as well as the head shaking between swims

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

67King — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 09:04:13 GMT

Absolutely use ear drops. I'm really surprised in all those ENT visits you were never told to. I just use alcohol, as it breaks the surface tension of the water, and lets it drain out, and as mentioned above, mixes with it and evaporates very quickly. It may burn a little, but not very long.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

jackback — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 08:17:42 GMT

I was reading about the alcohol drops last night when I was actually laying with my ear on a heating pad! So the alcohol helps? I just saw another suggestion on that below. A homemade cure can be mixed from a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar. The alcohol combines with water in the ear and then evaporates, removing the water, while the acidity of the vinegar keeps bacteria from growing. Apply a couple of drops of solution in each ear ... i've used this and it has been effective ... but nose plugs have helped more and by having less sinus issues i'm having less ear issues

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 13:50:01 GMT

If sudafed has an adverse effect, don't try it. Why replace suffering with more suffering? The active ingredient in "real" sudafed, the kind they keep behind the counter, is pseudoephedrine. The decongestant out on the shelf is typically phenylephrine. If you only react poorly to one, try the other. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine. Interestingly, dramamine might help, as its active ingredient tends to dry people out, but bear in mind that, like benadryl, it can make you very sleepy.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

ForceDJ — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 12:39:33 GMT

Dan - yeah that’s crazy about a chiro. Unfortunately, I can’t go that route. I’ve got disc degeneration in my lower back and neck and my orthopedic dr said no chiro or cheap massage. I understand, and concur. Nevertheless, just being "looked" at (not necessarily "treated") by a chiropractor...i.e. another set of eyes that specialize in body alignment...might reveal something that others have overlooked. Then, you could seek other avenues for treating that problem that take you other spinal issues into consideration. Just sayin'... Dan

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Windrath — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 10:33:49 GMT

Prodgirl, My ear canals are narrow with bony bumps that make it hard for water to drain. I hate ear plugs, so don't use them. I do one of two things after every swim (lake water, river water, ocean water, pools) and have not had an ear infection in 40+ years. First option: drip a little rubbing alcohol in each ear which will mix with the water to drain easier and it might even kill some of the flora in the ear canal. Second: twist the edge of a kleenex/piece of toilet paper into a "rat tail" and carefully insert into your ear canal and this will wick the water away from deeper regions. Be careful not to jam the kleenex too far and damage the inner ear organs. The other thing you might try: set a heating pad on low and lie on your side with your ear against the pad. The water will drain/evaporate. Good Luck.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 06:40:37 GMT

I was reading about the alcohol drops last night when I was actually laying with my ear on a heating pad! So the alcohol helps? I just saw another suggestion on that below.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 06:39:18 GMT

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 06:33:50 GMT

I got a few ear infections after starting swimming at age 14. A Dr. recommended using plain isopropyl alcohol as ear drops after each swim. It displaces any water in the ears, then rapidly dries out. I never got another ear infection.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

orca1946 — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 11:14:02 GMT

In all the years you never went to the doctor?? Maybe you should now and explain all the past troubles before long lasting damage occurs.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 07:11:26 GMT

Dan - yeah that’s crazy about a chiro. Unfortunately, I can’t go that route. I’ve got disc degeneration in my lower back and neck and my orthopedic dr said no chiro or cheap massage.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 07:09:18 GMT

I asked about tubes yesterday. ENT said it should have been done as a kid. For some reason it never was. now that I’m an adult, they only do the tubes if you are up to the 3-4 a year. And since the molds have gotten me maybe 12-18 months it wouldn’t be recommended. I might try and get in to see another ENT when I get back from a long work trip, gone for 2-3 months starting Monday. I can try the Sudafed, I’ve veen using Benadryl. For some reason Sudafed has an adverse effect on my body, so it’s not my preferred.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 06:21:43 GMT

Have they ever suggested having tubes placed? Many folks with chronic ear infections have shorter, flatter eustachian tubes than average adults (children do as well, which is why they are more prone to ear infections). Otitis media, a middle ear infection, aka swimmers' ear, is caused by bacteria growing in the warm, moist environment of the ear. When the ear canal can't dry out sufficiently, bacteria thrives. The fluid buildup is a response to inflammation. Usually, adults don't build up as much fluid because, as above, their eustachian tubes (which connect to the sinus and oropharnyx) are steeper. A gentleman at the pool who had been a diver suggested sudafed to help dry things out, so you might try hitting with a decongestant along with the earplugs.

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

Former Member — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 06:08:44 GMT

In all the years you never went to the doctor?? Maybe you should now and explain all the past troubles before long lasting damage occurs. Yes, I go to the ENT doctor every time. As a kid they used to just give me antibiotics. As an adult, I tell them to drain the fluid with the microscopic vacuum. They never have any suggestions though, just to avoid swimming...

RE: Chronic ear issues from swimming

ForceDJ — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 01:29:33 GMT

Maybe you should go see a chiropractor. Sounds weird, I know. But let me tell you this sort of relative story. Several years ago, some friends/neighbor had a horrific car accident with the kids in the car. The family van flipped/rolled a few times. No deaths, but serious injury. For weeks/months after it, one of the kids kept getting earaches due to water not draining. The MDs/ENT couldn't figure it out. At some point during their recovery, when one of the parents was at a chiropractor for treatment, with the kid in tow, it was mentioned to the chiropractor that the kid was having the earaches. The chiro commented..."Now that I look at him I can tell he was injured in the accident." But there was no "apparent" injury to the untrained eye. But the chiro saw that the kid was holding his head ever so slightly cockeyed. That slight tilt caused the water to not drain from his ear. The chiro made a few minor adjustments, kid's head went straight, and he never had earaches again. So, maybe a chiropractor might see a misalignment that's causing the water to not drain from your ear. Dan