Having recently returned to fitness swimming (with an eye toward my first triathlon), I am re-experiencing water in the ear syndrome. I have purchased, and am using some commercial drops (name escapes me at the moment) which does help dry out the ears.
My question is whether simple alcohol will work as well as the drops. Am curious to know what any of you may use for this.
Thanks, Nancy
Parents
Former Member
Two commercial soultions are called "Auro-Dri" and "Swimmers Ear" They both contain glycerine and alcohol. There are many of these same products as the ingredients are cheap to make. The FDA by the way is regulating some of the claims that these type "ear drying products" can make.
A simple home remedy is 50-50 white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
Its much cheaper then the commercial products.The alcohol dries up the water .
Ear plugs can help also .The best are custom molded by a ENT Doctor. All ear plugs can potentially seep and once water is in the ear it can not come out till the plugs are removed which can be a bad thing if a swimmers has a real ear problem not just a comfort issue with the water.
Some swim caps can do a good job of keeping water from the ears either by wearing two swimcaps with a more water tite style on the outside or if thats too tight with a extra inner band made from a extra cap. Any leaks can be felt and the cap pulled away to let the seepage out before it gets way into the ear. These swimcaps can also better protect hair. Search the "Google.com" search engine for "Swim Band" or "Swim Team Hair Care" and see page's about swim caps that keep the most water out.
If none of these ideas work There is always hopping on one foot with the head turned sideways!
Two commercial soultions are called "Auro-Dri" and "Swimmers Ear" They both contain glycerine and alcohol. There are many of these same products as the ingredients are cheap to make. The FDA by the way is regulating some of the claims that these type "ear drying products" can make.
A simple home remedy is 50-50 white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
Its much cheaper then the commercial products.The alcohol dries up the water .
Ear plugs can help also .The best are custom molded by a ENT Doctor. All ear plugs can potentially seep and once water is in the ear it can not come out till the plugs are removed which can be a bad thing if a swimmers has a real ear problem not just a comfort issue with the water.
Some swim caps can do a good job of keeping water from the ears either by wearing two swimcaps with a more water tite style on the outside or if thats too tight with a extra inner band made from a extra cap. Any leaks can be felt and the cap pulled away to let the seepage out before it gets way into the ear. These swimcaps can also better protect hair. Search the "Google.com" search engine for "Swim Band" or "Swim Team Hair Care" and see page's about swim caps that keep the most water out.
If none of these ideas work There is always hopping on one foot with the head turned sideways!
