I searched this forum in various ways and couldn't find this topic, which I find hard to believe. I think I have swimmer's ear, which is weird, b/c I haven't had that in decades. It seems to hurt at night, then itches. I'm wondering if it's ok to swim or should I wait it out. Do I need any kind of antibiotic ear drops? I usually use homemade drops (white vinegar/alcohol) after swimming, but haven't done it lately.
Nancy, my ENT told me that unless the earplugs are custom fitted, earplugs can trap water in the ear canal. I've never used them. I've been swimming for 30 years and this is probably the 2d earache I've ever had. But they seem to work for you. :applaud:
Well, I do take the precaution of putting in the earplugs (they just cover the outside of the ear) when my ears are still dry. But since I've been using them consistently--no ear infections. So it does seem to be working. Another key thing is using a new pair every swim. The box says you can re-use them two or three times, but one of my worst infections came after giving a used pair (yuck) the benefit of the doubt. So, yeah. Always a clean pair.
Nancy, my ENT told me that unless the earplugs are custom fitted, earplugs can trap water in the ear canal. I've never used them. I've been swimming for 30 years and this is probably the 2d earache I've ever had. But they seem to work for you. :applaud:
Well, I do take the precaution of putting in the earplugs (they just cover the outside of the ear) when my ears are still dry. But since I've been using them consistently--no ear infections. So it does seem to be working. Another key thing is using a new pair every swim. The box says you can re-use them two or three times, but one of my worst infections came after giving a used pair (yuck) the benefit of the doubt. So, yeah. Always a clean pair.
